High-Performance Titanium Composites: Mechanical and Metallurgical Characterization of Powder Metallurgy-Synthesized Materials

Abstract

Titanium metal matrix composites (Ti-MMCs) are advanced materials that offer superior mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and structural integrity, making them well-suited for high-performance applications. This study investigates the effect of reinforcement particle composition on the mechanical and metallurgical properties of Ti-MMCs. Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) powder was used as the matrix material, while cerium oxide (CeO2), chromium (Cr), and graphite (Gr) were employed as reinforcements. The composites were synthesized through powder metallurgy, which involved ball milling, hydraulic compaction, and high-temperature sintering. The synthesized composites were analyzed for phase composition and microstructure using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy. Hardness was assessed using a Vickers hardness tester, while compressive strength was evaluated through a universal testing machine. Corrosion resistance was examined via potentiodynamic polarization testing. Among the fabricated samples, Ti-6Al-4V composite reinforced with 5% CeO2, 10% Cr, and 4% Gr demonstrated the lowest porosity (4.37%) and the highest relative density (95%), indicating effective densification. This composition also exhibited superior mechanical properties, with a hardness of 682 HV and a compressive strength of 914 MPa. Furthermore, it provided corrosion resistance by achieving a protection efficiency of 76% and a corrosion current of 19.27 mA/cm², compared to pure Ti-6Al-4V. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of Ti-6Al-4V–O bonding and the absence of hydroxyl absorption bands, indicating enhanced corrosion resistance. These findings highlight the potential of Ti-MMCs for biomedical applications, particularly in orthopedic implants requiring high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. The study demonstrated that hybrid reinforcement tailoring is a viable strategy for engineering multifunctional Ti-based composites.