Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-01070

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png The role of martensite decomposition and β-stabilizer segregation to interfaces in Ti-6Al-4V with an initial dual-phase α+α' microstructure

Pfeffer, N. (Corresponding author)Extern* ; Bezold, A. ; Vollhüter, J.Extern* ; Nagel, O.Extern* ; Weiser, M.Extern* ; Stark, A.Extern*Hereon* ; Neumeier, S.Extern* ; Höppel, H. W.Extern*

2026
Elsevier Amsterdam

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.msea.2026.150024  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2026-01070

Abstract: The strength of dual-phase α+α' Ti-6Al-4V sheet material can be significantly enhanced through additional short-time annealing lasting only a few minutes, as shown in previous work and attributed to nano-scale microstructural changes within the martensitically transformed β-phase. However, the microstructural mechanisms remained unclear. In this study, the microstructures of the as-received state, the solution heat treated state with α+α' microstructure and additionally (short-time) annealed states were compared to provide deeper insight into these microstructural processes. Advanced high-resolution techniques, including high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography and high-energy X-ray diffraction, were combined with tensile testing for mechanical assessment. Short-time annealing of metastable Ti-6Al-4V α+α' microstructures at 570 °C for 180 s triggered an α' → α+β transformation, comprising: (i) chemical changes, involving V- and Fe-segregation to interfaces, and the formation of V-/Fe-enriched clusters; and (ii) crystallographic decomposition, manifested by α' lattice relaxation and lattice parameter changes. With prolonged annealing, element partitioning and β precipitation progressed from the clusters and nuclei located along interfaces, accompanied by slight changes in the lattice parameters of both phases. After 3 h, the microstructure approached equilibrium, with stabilized α and β phase fractions and lattice parameters. The strengthening achieved by short-time annealing is attributed to suppression of reorientation-induced plasticity in prior α'-martensite and dislocation-cluster/precipitate/solute interactions. In summary, this work reveals microstructural evolution and processes during martensite decomposition in dual-phase Ti-6Al-4V, including β-stabilizer segregation to interfaces. Further, it discusses their role in strength enhancement, providing guidance for developing effective heat treatment and processing routes.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. DOOR-User (DOOR ; HAS-User)
2. Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (Hereon)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)
2. FS-Proposal: I-20230881 (I-20230881) (I-20230881)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P07 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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