Titanium alloys: phase transformations and additive manufacturing applied to obtaining functionally graded materials

• Grant number: 18/18293-8
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Duration: April 01, 2021 - March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal researcher: Rubens Caram Junior
• Grantee: Rubens Caram Junior
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica (FEM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: Conrado Ramos Moreira Afonso
• Assoc. researchers: Alessandra Cremasco ; Augusto Ducati Luchessi ; João Batista Fogagnolo ; Juliano Soyama ; Kaio Niitsu Campo ; Rodrigo José Contieri
• Associated grant(s): 21/03249-6 - Multi-user Equipment approved in grant 2018/18293-8: Additive Manufacturing Machine, AP.EMU; 21/03252-7 - Multi-user Equipment approved in grant 2018/18293-8: Thermal Analyzer, AP.EMU; 21/03494-0 - Multi-user Equipment approved in grant 2018/18293-8: High Temperature Dilatometer, AP.EMU

Abstract

The goal of this proposal is to investigate physical metallurgy and additive manufacturing of titanium alloys aiming to produce structural materials with graded properties. Ti and its alloys exhibit a wide range of interesting properties, particularly high mechanical strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance and unique biocompatibility. Their mechanical behavior depends directly on precipitation of stable and metastable phases, which allows adjusting properties according to specific application. Currently, the processing of Ti and its alloys has experienced exceptional development as a result of application of new technologies associated with additive manufacturing. The present research project intends to examine relevant topics related to Ti alloys, such as (I) phase transformations in Ti alloys; (II) additive manufacturing of Ti alloys and (III) preparation of functionally graded materials. A strategy to be employed will involve the development of new metastable beta type Ti alloys and investigation of their phase transformations, workability and properties. The alloys design will be based on thermodynamic simulation of phase diagrams, while preparation of alloys will involve arc melting and additive manufacturing. Ti alloys processing will include thermo-mechanical treatments for alpha phase precipitation using two routes: homogeneous nucleation based on pseudo-spinodal decomposition or heterogeneous nucleation assisted by omega phase. Phase transformations and additive manufacturing concepts will be applied in obtaining functionally graded materials based on Ti alloys. It is intended to apply advanced characterization techniques of samples, in particular transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction at high temperatures. The work team is made up of experienced researchers in the topics covered as well as by young researchers. At the end of this work, it is expected to obtain knowledge that contributes to the increasing use of Ti in applications with high scientific and technological density, in particular, of new Ti alloys for load-bearing applications in several industrial sectors, and mainly, to the development of human resource competencies in Ti alloys and additive manufacturing of metallic materials. (AU)