Theoretical Assessment on the Phase Transformation Kinetic Pathways of Multi-component Ti Alloys: Application to Ti-6Al-4V

We present our theoretical assessment of the kinetic pathways during phase transformations of multi-component Ti alloys. Employing the graphical thermodynamic approach and an integrated free energy function based on the realistic thermodynamic database and assuming that a displacive structural transformation occurs much faster than long-range diffusional processes, we analyze the phase stabilities of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-6wt.%Al-4wt.%V). Our systematic analyses predict a variety of possible kinetic pathways for β to (α + β) transformations leading to different types of microstructures under various heat treatment conditions. In addition, the possibility of unconventional kinetic pathways is discussed. We also briefly discuss the application of our approach to general multicomponent/multiphase alloy systems.