Near-net shape processing of spherical high Nb-TiAl alloy powder by gelcasting

Spherical Ti-45Al-8.5Nb-(W,B,Y) alloy powder prepared by an argon plasma process was near-net shape by gelcasting. In the non-aqueous system, methaerylate-2-hydroxy ethyl, toluene, benzoyl peroxide, and N,N-dimethylaniline were used as the monomer, solvent, initiator, and catalyst, respectively. To improve sintering and forming behaviors, many additives were included in the suspension. The concentrated suspension with a solid loading of 70vol% was prepared. The high Nb-TiAl powder was analyzed by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the green bodies had a smooth surface and homogeneous microstructure, exhibiting a bending strength as high as 50 MPa. After sintering at 1480℃ for 2 h in vacuum, uniform complex-shaped high Nb-TiAl parts were successfully produced.