Structure and Properties of the Powder for Additive Synthesis of Alloys Based on Titanium Aluminide TiAl

Electrode-induction gas atomization (EIGA) is a promising and cost-effective method for producing spherical intermetallic titanium powders used in additive manufacturing. The present study investigates the morphology, microstructure, chemical and phase compositions, nanoindentation properties of a commercial pre-alloyed TiAl-based EIGA alloy powder. The Ti – 48Al – 2Cr – 2Nb powder is characterized by a spherical shape and dendritic structure with the dendrites enriched with Nb and the interdendritic areas enriched with aluminum and chromium. The temperature ranges of the phase transformations in the powder with precipitation/dissolution of phases α₂ , α, γ, B2, (TiNb)Cr₂ are determined using thermal analysis during heating and cooling in an inert atmosphere of argon at a rate of 50 K/min. Development of an oxidation process at the temperatures above 500°C and significant increase in its rate at the temperatures above 900°C is detected.