Investigation into the microstructure and mechanical properties of diffusion bonded TiAl alloys

TiAl alloys are potential candidates for replacing conventional Ti-alloys in gas turbine applications in the relatively lower temperature sections, owing to their low density and excellent high temperature properties. However, their intolerable ambient temperature brittleness hinders their use in such applications. Recently, TiAl alloys with some room temperature ductility were developed through alloy development programmes using special production routes such as powder metallurgy. However, the room temperature brittleness of these alloys could not be overcome.