Effects of HfC content on microstructure and mechanical properties of titanium zirconium molybdenum alloys

HfC particles with the mass fraction of 0, 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% were added into the titanium zirconium molybdenum (TZM) alloy powders, respectively. The composite reinforced molybdenum alloys were prepared by the powder metallurgy combined with the rolling deformation. The effects of the HfC particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the TZM alloys were studied by the metallographic analysis, the scanning electron microscopy, the energy spectrum analysis, and the mechanical properties tests. The results show that, the addition of HfC particles can inhibit the growth of TZM grains during the sintering process, however, when the mass fraction of HfC particles exceeds 0.50%, the inhibitory effect is weakened. When the mass fraction of HfC particles is 0.25%, the TZM alloys show the strongest tensile strength at room temperature and high temperature, the highest Vickers hardness, and the best plasticity.