Microstructure and interface reaction of investment casting TiAl alloys

In order to research the microstructure of TiAl alloy and TiAl-mould reaction between TiAl and ceramic mould shells prepared with the low cost binder in investment casting, the ceramic mould shells were prepared with low cost binder and refractory materials. Using two kinds of casting methods (gravity casting and centrifugal casting), the titanium aluminum alloys with rare earth element (Ti-47.5Al-2Cr-2Nb-0.3Y and Ti-45Al-5Nb-0.3Y) were cast into the mould shells. The microstructures of investment casting titanium aluminum alloys were observed by optical microscope (OM). The distributions of elements of topping investment on the surfaces of titanium aluminum alloys castings were analyzed by the means of electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), and the mechanical properties were studied. The results show that the microstructures of two kinds of titanium aluminum alloys are both lamella shape, and lamella is thin. The thickness of reaction and diffusing layer of Ti-47.5Al-2Cr-2Nb-0.3Y alloy is about 80μm, and that of Ti-45Al-5Nb-0.3Y is less than 30μm.