Design of near-α Ti alloys via a cluster formula approach and their high-temperature oxidation resistance

The multi-component composition characteristics of high-temperature near-α Ti alloys were investigated in the present work by means of a cluster formula approach. The uniform cluster formula [CN12 cluster](glue atom)3 for the hexagonal close-packed α solid solution was first obtained based on the Friedel oscillation theory, with a total atom number in the formula of Z = 16. Then it was analyzed that the Z values in the cluster composition formulas of typical near-α Ti alloys are within the range of Z = 16.00 ˜ 16.30, being perfectly consistent with the ideal Z = 16. Based on it, a series of new alloys with Z = 16 and with Nb/Ta substitution for Mo in Ti1100 alloy were designed, suction-cast into φ 6 mm rods, and then heat-treated with solid solution and aging. It was found that the alloy with co-addition of Mo, Ta and Nb has a high strength and good ductility at both room and high temperatures. More importantly, the additions of Nb and Ta can contribute to the formation of continuous and compact Al2O3 scales, resulting in an obvious improvement of oxidation resistances at both 923 K and 1073 K. The effects of Mo, Ta and Nb on the oxidation behaviors of the designed alloys at 1073 K were further discussed.