3D Characterization of an Intermetallic β/γ‐Titanium Aluminide Alloy

Intermetallic titanium aluminides have evolved into a lightweight alternative to nickel-based superalloys because of their good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures combined with a low density. Potential fields of application include aircraft and automobile engines. Microstructure strongly influences a material's mechanical properties. Although conventional 2D image analysis provides statistically secure information about the microstructure, a complete understanding of the 3D arrangement (e.g. phase's connectivity) is not accessible. In this study, 2D image analysis, EBSD and FIB/SEM tomography are employed to analyze the 3D microstructure of a β/γ-TiAl alloy with a nominal composition of Ti-44Al-7Mo-0.1B (in at%).