Mechanical properties and oxidation characteristics of TiNiAl(Nb) intermetallics

The structural evolution, mechanical properties and the oxidation characteristics of Ti50Ni50-xAlx alloys were investigated. The influence of additive Nb on the microstructure, mechanical properties as well as the high temperature oxidation resistance was examined. It is found that the substitution of Al for Ni can remarkably reinforce the TiNi-based intermetallics by precipitation of (Ti,Al)(2)Ni phase and by solid-solution strengthening effects. It is also found that the addition of Nb has beneficial influence on the mechanical properties of TiNiAl intermetallics, and that the oxidation resistance of TiNiAl(Nb) alloys can be effectively improved by the Nb addition. The effect of Nb on the high temperature oxidation behavior of TiNiAl(Nb) alloys has been discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.