Robustness versus Performance Assessment for Different Gamma-TiAl Processing Routes

Abstract

One of the main driving force for the development of advanced structural materials is weight saving especially in the transportation industry in order to reduce CO 2 emission. The utilization of gamma aluminides, as good candidates for aerospace applications, is strongly related to the development of a cost-effective and robust processing route, as far as possible. It is well established that the processing route, i.e. cast, wrought or PM, has a dramatic effect on the microstructure and texture of gamma-TiAl alloys. Therefore, significant microstructural variations through post-heat treatments coupled with compositional modifications can only guarantee a proper balance of desired properties. However, a number of metallurgical factors during the processing steps can contribute to some scattering in properties. This review will highlight several critical process variables in terms of the resulting -TiAl microstructures. Of primary importance is the as-cast texture which is difficult to control and may contribute to prefer some alternative processing routes to ensure a better repeatability in mechanical results. Some innovative processing techniques for controlling the structure will then be presented. The main point which will be discussed in this paper is whether an approach leading to a robust process would not be at the expense of the high performance of the structural material.