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Formation of Alpha-Case Layer During Investment Casting of Pure Ti and Ti-6Al-4V Using Comparative XRD and EXAFS Investigation

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A volume 51, pages 586–596 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

In titanium casting, a reaction byproduct known as alpha-case is a hard and brittle phase layer that exists on the surface of cast objects. This reaction layer may be detrimental to the mechanical properties of cast objects and may complicate the finishing processes. To investigate the formation of the alpha-case layer during the casting of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy, both metal ingots were cast in spinel-based investments in a controlled environment. The cast samples were metallographically prepared and analyzed for the thicknesses of alpha-case layer depth and the metal matrix. The samples were characterized using light microscopy, Vickers microhardness testing, X-ray diffractometry, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectrometry. The alpha-case layer on the CP-Ti cast sample was thicker than that of the Ti-6Al-4V cast sample due to the ability of the α-titanium matrix to uptake oxygen faster, which in turn is attributed to the higher diffusion coefficient of the α-titanium phase. A metastable Ti3O phase was observed as an intermediate reaction product which could be transformed into the alpha-case layer and the α-titanium phase.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by Chulalongkorn Academic Advancement into its 2nd Century Project, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment (CSTE), Suranaree University of Technology for access to the XRD Measurement Facility. We thank the Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), Beam Line #8 (BL8:XAS) and also BL8 staff, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand for providing the XAS Facility. Boonrat Lohwongwatana acknowledges the support from the Advanced Materials Analysis Research Unit and the Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. Chedtha Puncreobutr acknowledges the in-kind material support from Meticuly Co., Ltd. Atchara Khamkongkaeo acknowledges the support from Rachadapisek Sompote Fund, Chulalongkorn University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Materials Analysis Research Unit, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

    Thanachai Boonchuduang, Atchara Khamkongkaeo, Chedtha Puncreobutr & Boonrat Lohwongwatana

  2. Division of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathumthani, 12110, Thailand

    Atipong Bootchanont

  3. Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization), 111 University Avenue, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand

    Wantana Klysubun & Penphitcha Amonpattaratkit

  4. Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

    Atchara Khamkongkaeo, Chedtha Puncreobutr & Boonrat Lohwongwatana

  5. Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Wangchan Valley 555 Moo 1 Payupnai, Wanchan District, Rayong, 21210, Thailand

    Rattikorn Yimnirun

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  1. Thanachai Boonchuduang
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  8. Boonrat Lohwongwatana
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Correspondence to Boonrat Lohwongwatana.

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Manuscript submitted June 28, 2019.

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Boonchuduang, T., Bootchanont, A., Klysubun, W. et al. Formation of Alpha-Case Layer During Investment Casting of Pure Ti and Ti-6Al-4V Using Comparative XRD and EXAFS Investigation. Metall Mater Trans A 51, 586–596 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-019-05541-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-019-05541-1