High-energy x-ray and transmission electron microscopy study of structural transformations in Ti-V -: art. no. 024204

The binary system Ti-V is a paradigm for the technically important class of Ti beta alloys. In the past, it received attention as a candidate for transient ordering. We elucidate the nature of structural transformations by combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a high-energy x-ray diffraction technique. The latter allows to study precipitation processes time resolved and in situ, while TEM is a powerful tool to identify individual phases. In addition to alpha-Ti precipitation we observe the formation of TiC from minor carbon impurities. Additional diffraction peaks accompanying the alpha-Ti precipitation and hinting at the existence of a B2-type superstructure are shown to originate from the precipitates. No transient ordering was found.