Available Technologies

Executive Summary

Conventional Ti alloys are expensive and complex to develop, but remain coveted by the aerospace and nuclear power industries for their elevated heat properties and low density. MSU researchers have developed a new method for creating a durable, low-cost titanium alloy which is a lightweight alternative for nickel and cobalt alloys.

Description of Technology

The technology is a new light weight Ti alloy and thermomechanical process to produce it. The general formula of the alloy is Ti-xCr-yFe-zA1 with x between 10-16, y between 0-5 and z from 0-6 wt. percentages and having an Omega phase. The alloy is subjected to a strain at elevated temperatures which accelerates the transformation of the beta phase to Omega phase. Various mechanical tests were performed on the alloys to produce data such as Vickers hardness, tensile strength, elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength as well as microstructural characterization including TEM. 

Key Benefits

• Inexpensive process
• Lighter weight material improves energy efficiency
• Stronger ultimate tensile strength (1400 MPa) and good ductility (elongation to failure ~ 10%) at higher temperatures (~400^oC)
• Better corrosion resistance

Applications

• Replacement for other materials in fields where ductility, density, strength, and corrosion resistance are valued
• Fan blades in jet engines
• Nuclear reactor core plumbing and structural material
• Aerospace components (exterior paneling planes and spacecraft)
• Biomedical/bioengineering prosthetics

Patent Status:

Issued US Patent 10,619,234

Licensing Rights Available

Full licensing rights available

Related Publications 

"A Review of the Metastable Omega Phase in Beta Titanium Alloys: The Phase Transformation Mechanisms and Its Effect on Mechanical Properties"

"The Elevated-Temperature Strength Enhancement of a Low-Cost Beta Titanium Alloy Through Thermomechanically-Induced Phase Transformation"

"Composition dependent microstructure-property relationships of Fe and Al modified Ti-12Cr(wt%)"

Inventors: Dr. Carl Boehlert, Vahid Khademi

Tech ID: TEC2015-0132