Effect of cold rolling deformation on the microstructure and properties of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy

As a metastable β titanium alloy developed for applications in aerospace industry, Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy offers high strength, good fracture toughness and a limited cold workability. In the present study, the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy undergoing cold rolling deformation were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and mechanical testing, in attempt to understand the relationship between the microstructural evolution and deformation behavior. It is revealed that the cold rolling deformation induces the formation of large amounts of α″ martensites in solution treated specimen. The stress/strain induced martensitic transformation leads to substantial refinement of β and α″ grains as well as preferential formation of α″ martensites. The microstructure evolution and the corresponding response of mechanical behavior were discussed, suggesting that the principal deformation mechanisms of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al undergoing severe cold rolling involve stress/strain induced martensitic transformation and dislocation slip.