Recent Progress in the Development of Gamma Titanium Aluminide Alloys

Intermetallic titanium aluminides offer an attractive combination of low density and good oxidation and ignition resistance with unique mechanical properties. These involve high strength and elastic stiffness with excellent high temperature retention. Thus, they are one of the few classes of emerging materials that have the potential to be used in demanding high-temperature structural applications whenever specific strength and stiffness are of major concern. However, in order to effectively replace the heavier nickel-base superalloys currently in use, titanium aluminides must combine a wide range of mechanical property capabilities. Advanced alloy designs are tailored for strength, toughness, creep resistance, and environmental stability. These concerns are addressed in the present paper through global commentary on the physical metallurgy and associated processing technologies of γ-TiAl-base alloys. Particular emphasis is paid on recent developments of TiAl alloys with enhanced high-temperature capability.