Improved Oxidation Resistance in Titanium Alloy RTI-THOR

High-temperature application of titanium alloys in aeroengines and airframe hardware is often limited by their insufficient oxidation resistance to the aggressive environment. A new titanium alloy (RTI-THOR^TM) was developed in order to increase the oxidation temperature of conventional titanium alloys from the current operating temperature threshold of 550˚C to 750˚C. Oxidation resistance behaviors of RTI-THOR^TM, Ti-6242, and Beta 21s have been investigated in the temperature range of 600 – 750˚C. Oxidation experiments were carried out at 600-750°C up to 208 hours, followed by metallographic analyses to study the oxide layer morphology as well as the microstructure at the interface. SEM-EDS-mappings were used to identify the changes in the element distribution. RTI-THOR^TM shows much improved oxidation resistance compared to Ti-6242 and Beta 21s. The mechanical properties of RTI-THOR^TM will also be discussed.