High Temperature Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Change in Nano Grain Composites

One of the authors proposed a non-equilibrium powder metallurgy process, which enables the fabrication of a near net-shape product using TiC and TiN/Silicide ceramic composites. The PM process in combination with mechanical alloying (MA) and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) are applied to produce nano-grain composite, TiC/Ti5Si3. Powders of elements Ti and SiC whose composition is Ti-20 mass%SiC are blended for MA. After the alloying, the MA powder whose average particle size is 20~30 μm, has amorphous-like structures, and then the MA powder is compacted by SPS. Results of compression-tests indicate the occurrence of unusual hightemperature deformation behaviors such as low flow stress at the lower deformation temperature or at the high initial strain rates were observed in the SPS compacts. TEM observations of the deformed compacts after the compression-tests indicate the microstructure has no-strain equiaxial - grains and clear boundaries. This serves as proof of a superplasticity deformation. In addtion, the results of the XRD analysis of the compressed-compacts show that new phases are formed during the compression-test. Therefore, the above deformation is attributed to a "pseudo" superplasticity in which the phase transition of metastable microstructure occurs during the deformation.