Investigating Nanoindentation and Wear Properties of Spark Plasma Sintered Ti48Al48Cr2Nb2 Alloy

This work studied spark plasma sintered Ti48Al48Cr2Nb2 alloy for their nanoindentation and wear properties. Results showed an improvement in nanoindentation properties of the compacts with an increase in holding time from 5min to 7.5min for the heating rate of 50°C/min and 100°C/min. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the intensity of diffraction peaks of two major crystalline phases of Ti3Al2.25Nb0.75 and γ-TiAl. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of sintered compacts possessed varied microstructures due to different sintering parameters. The nearly lamellar structure showed a good balance of yield stress and fracture toughness. Wear tracks SEM analysis revealed the worn surface morphologies and the sample sintered for 7.5 min at the eating rate of 50°C/min sustained the least damage evident by the shallow grooves and narrow wear track. Profilometer measurements revealed the wear track depth and width, confirming the degree of wear for the samples sintered at varied conditions.