Flexural properties, thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity of prealloyed and master alloy addition powder metallurgy Ti–6Al–4V

A comparison between the properties achievable by processing the Ti–6Al–4V alloys by means of two powder metallurgy approaches, precisely prealloyed and master alloy addition, was carried out. Prealloyed and master alloy addition hydride–dehydride powders characterised by an irregular morphology were shaped by means of cold uniaxial pressing and high vacuum sintered considering the effect of the variation of the sintering temperature and of the dwell time. Generally, the higher the temperature and the longer the dwell time, the higher the relative density and, consequently, the better the mechanical performances. Nevertheless, a higher processing temperature or a longer time leads also to some interstitials pick-up, especially oxygen, which affects the mechanical behaviour and, in particular, lowers the ductility. Although some residual porosity is left by the pressing and sintering route, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity values comparable to those of the wrought alloy are obtained.