Effect of the quenching temperature on the structure and deformation mechanism of a VT22I alloy

The effect of the temperature of heating for quenching on the phase composition, structure, and deformability of a high-strength VT22I titanium alloy is studied. After quenching from a critical temperature or above, an unstable β phase forms in the structure of the alloy; upon further deformation up to 3%, this phase transforms into the α” martensite. This process occurs at low stresses (150–200 MPa) and is characterized by an increase in the internal friction of the material, which is related to the high mobility of interfacial and twin boundaries of β-phase and martensite crystals. In VT22I alloy samples quenched from below the critical temperature, a mechanically stable β phase forms; it is deformed according to a slip mechanism at sufficiently high stresses (550 MPa).