Burn-resistant behavior and mechanism of Ti14 alloy

The direct-current simulation burning method was used to investigate the burn-resistant behavior of Ti14 titanium alloy. The results show that Ti14 alloy exhibits a better burn resistance than TC4 alloy (Ti–6Al–4V). Cu is observed to preferentially migrate to the surface of Ti14 alloy during the burning reaction, and the burned product contains Cu, Cu₂O, and TiO₂. An oxide layer mainly comprising loose TiO₂ is observed beneath the burned product. Meanwhile, Ti₂Cu precipitates at grain boundaries near the interface of the oxide layer, preventing the contact between O₂ and Ti and forming a rapid diffusion layer near the matrix interface. Consequently, a multiple-layer structure with a Cu-enriched layer (burned product)/Cu-lean layer (oxide layer)/Cu-enriched layer (rapid diffusion layer) configuration is formed in the burn heat-affected zone of Ti14 alloy; this multiple-layer structure is beneficial for preventing O₂ diffusion. Furthermore, although Al can migrate to form Al₂O₃ on the surface of TC4 alloy, the burn-resistant ability of TC4 is unimproved because the Al₂O₃ is discontinuous and not present in sufficient quantity.