Characterization of the Interface Between α and β Titanium Alloys in the Diffusion Couple

The aim of the research was to investigate the microstructural changes caused by diffusion through interface between α and β titanium solid solutions. For this purpose, a diffusion couple composed of two single-phase titanium alloys—α type commercially pure (CP) titanium Grade 2 and near-β Ti-15V-3Al-3Cr-3Sn—was made by annealing at a temperature of 850 °C in an inert atmosphere. The performed heat treatment caused partial diffusion bonding (DB) where the α/β-interface was clearly visible. Based on the results of microscopic (light microscope (LM), scanning electron microscope/electron backscatter diffraction (SEM/EBSD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM)) examination, a significant microstructure evolution of near-β alloy in the region near the interface (diffusion-affected zone) was revealed. It was found that needlelike phases were formed both in α and β solid solutions. Moreover, in the near-β titanium alloy, pores aligned in the Frenkel plane were found. The latter finding indicated that the diffusion of alloying elements of near-β alloy is the most probable reason for the observed microstructural changes. Additionally, the “grooving” phenomenon at the α/β interface was found and it was correlated with faster diffusion through grain boundaries, rather than volume diffusion. Finally, the pore size was measured and numerically modeled. The calculated values were in good agreement with the experimental ones.