Achievement of forging without canning for β-solidifying γ-TiAl alloy containing high content of niobium

The processes of forging without canning were optimized, such that forging could be successfully performed and forged pancakes without cracks could be obtained. The maximum height reduction could reach 80%. The as-forged microstructure consisted of γ and β/B2 phases. The volume fraction of the β/B2 phase rose slightly compared to the pre-forging state. Near the top or bottom of the pancake, residual lamellae were found, while full dynamic recrystallization was completed at the center and lateral parts. Equiaxed γ grains illustrated that dynamic recrystallization mainly occurred in the γ phase, while the softer β phase coordinated the deformation by adjusting morphology. Two types of Σ3 boundaries, [110] 70° and [111] 60°, were found in the γ phase. At room temperature, the fracture was brittle, and the elongation was 0.07%. With increasing temperature, the yield strength and ultimate strength decreased, while the elongation increased. The brittle–ductile transition temperature was between 800°C and 850°C.