Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behavior of Hot Isostatically Pressed TiC/TC4 Composites

Titanium matrix composites (TMCs), characterized by low density, high strength, and excellent high-temperature mechanical properties, are becoming preferred materials for key components in aerospace engines. However, conventional casting methods for preparing TMCs often encounter issues such as composition segregation and coarse reinforcement phases, hindering their engineering application. In this study, we fabricated TiC/TC4 titanium matrix composites via hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The composites exhibited room-temperature tensile strength of 1058 ± 8 MPa, yield strength of 958 ± 12 MPa, and total elongation of 17.0 ± 0.5%. Furthermore, the TiC/TC4 composites demonstrated favorable high-temperature mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of about 500 MPa at 600 °C. Investigation into plastic deformation and fracture behavior revealed that at room temperature, tensile cracks initiated predominantly around the reinforcing TiC particles, whereas at high temperatures, cracks primarily originated within the matrix. The strengthening mechanisms of the TiC particle-reinforced TC4 composites included particle strengthening, solid solution strengthening, and load-transfer strengthening. Additionally, the precipitation of nano-acicular secondary α (αs) phases within the β phase during high-temperature tensile deformation was observed, contributing to the superior high-temperature mechanical performance of the composites.