Effects of hydrogen addition on the high temperature deformation behavior of TC21 titanium alloy

The true stress-strain curves of TC21 titanium alloy charged with up to 0.7 wt.% hydrogen were obtained by the isothermal hot compression tests which were carried out on an Instron 5500 machine at 1023 to 1223 K and 0.001 to 0.1 s−1. The dependence of the steady state flow stress on hydrogen content was determined. The results showed that with the increase of hydrogen content flow stress decreased at lower hydrogen content and then increased at higher hydrogen content. Suitable hydrogen addition can significantly decrease the flow stress and improve the hot workability of TC21 titanium alloy. The flow stress behaviors and the dependence of hydrogen content on flow stress were clarified by microstructural observation. The optimum hydrogen content at different deformation temperature was determined. ► Suitable hydrogen addition can improve the hot workability of TC21 alloy. ► The softening mechanisms are DRX in α + β phase field and DRV in β phase. ► Hydrogen addition decreases the β transus leading to the decrease of flow stress. ► Hydrogen has similar effects on the hot deformation behavior of α + β Ti alloys.