Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-02279

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Simultaneous improvement of strength and corrosion resistance in β-type Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn alloy through a spinodally modulated dual-phase microstructure

Gong, D.Extern* ; Wei, B. (Corresponding author) ; li, w.Extern* ; Liu, Y. ; Zhao, Z. ; Kumara, L. S. R. ; Ren, Y.Extern* ; Yang, R. ; Ramamurty, U. (Corresponding author) ; Hao, Y. (Corresponding author)Extern*

2026
Elsevier Science Amsterdam [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2026.122455

Abstract: The growing demand for load-bearing components operating in chloride-containing environments calls for high-strength titanium alloys with enhanced corrosion resistance. In β-Ti alloys, conventional strengthening by discrete second-phase precipitation often introduces sharp compositional and electrochemical discontinuities at precipitate/matrix interfaces, promoting micro-galvanic corrosion and destabilizing passive films. Here we show that this trade-off between strength and corrosion resistance can be mitigated in Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (wt.%) by exploiting aging-induced spinodal decomposition, which produces a compositionally modulated and spatially continuous β/α″ dual-phase microstructure with a characteristic wavelength of about 20 nm. This continuous modulation provides densely spaced barriers to dislocation glide and increases strength, while avoiding the sharp interfacial electrochemical contrast associated with conventional precipitate-strengthened microstructures. In addition, spinodal decomposition induces periodic compositional modulation within the β/α″ microstructure, affecting passivation behavior through coupled Ti-O and Nb partitioning. The nanoscale α″ domains are enriched in both Ti and O, providing favorable local chemical environments that can facilitate Ti-oxide formation and promote passivation. Concurrent nanoscale Nb modulation is associated with a greater relative contribution of Nb oxides to the passive film, helping stabilize the barrier layer. These effects contribute to a thicker, more laterally continuous, and less defective passive film, thereby reducing defect-assisted transport and improving corrosion resistance in chloride-containing media. Our findings highlight spinodal decomposition as a viable route to co-optimize strength and corrosion resistance in β-Ti alloys.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. FS DOOR-User (FS DOOR-User)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)
2. FS-Proposal: I-20250831 (I-20250831) (I-20250831)
3. FS-Proposal: I-20240938 (I-20240938) (I-20240938)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P21.2 (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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