An innovative TiB whisker architecture of titanium matrix composite devised by scanning electron beam remodeling

Abstract A high-performance titanium matrix composite with innovative TiB whiskers reinforcement architecture was fabricated using scanning electron beam remodeling. The microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated, and the microstructure evolution and strengthening mechanism were discussed. Results show that a reformative titanium matrix composite with a three-dimensional equiaxed reinforcement architecture was built. The matrix and reinforcement were refined into needle martensite and clustered TiB whiskers with diffusionless transformation and eutectic reaction. With the contribution of fine-grain strengthening, whisker strengthening, and sub-structural strengthening, the ultimate tensile strength of the remodeled titanium matrix composites was 1456 MPa, increasing 275 MPa (23.3%) to the raw material. Moreover, the wear resistance was reinforced by the electron beam remodeling. This research could provide unique thoughts or references for the preparation of higher performance titanium matrix composites.