High temperature oxidation resistance and microstructure of laser-shock peened Ti-Beta-21S

Abstract Improving the high temperature (HT) resistance of titanium alloys is currently a technological challenge for extending their use in aerospace engines. Ti-Beta-21S is a metastable β titanium alloy specifically designed for high temperature applications up to 593. We report the effect of a surface treatment by laser-shock peening (LSP) on the high temperature behavior of Ti-Beta-21S in order to increase further its maximum service temperature. The oxidation kinetics at 700 °C for duration up to 3000 h showed that the LSP treatment increases the oxidation resistance of Ti-Beta-21S. The effects of the LSP treatment on the alloy microstructure, its evolution at high temperature and the diffusion of light atmospheric elements (oxygen and nitrogen) are also reported.