Influence of the Ageing Temperature on the Microstructure and Selected Mechanical Properties of Ti13Nb13Zr Alloy

Investigation results concerning changes occurring in the microstructure of the near β titanium alloy, grade: Ti13Nb13Zr, when the ageing temperature was changed within the range 350÷650°C, are presented in the paper. These changes were assessed on samples previously quenched in water from the selected soaking temperature in the single-phase β range (800°C). Microstructures were investigated by means of the optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phases occurring in the alloy at various ageing temperatures were identified with using the XRD analysis. Microstructure investigations were supplemented by hardness measurements by means of the Vickers apparatus, type HP0 250. In addition, for the selected ageing temperatures, the Charpy impact tests were performed on the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy samples. These tests were carried out on the Charpy tester of a potential energy of 150 J. The results of Charpy impact tests were supported by the fractographic documentation of samples fractures. The fractographic investigations were performed by means of the scanning electron microscope NovaNanoSEM 450.The obtained results constitute the valuable supplementation of the data bases concerning microstructures and mechanical properties of near β titanium alloys.