Abstract:The effects of current pulsing on the microstructure, hardness and tensile properties at different temperatures of gas tungsten arc (GTA) weldments of titanium matrix composites were studied. Full-penetration butt joints were made with or without current pulsing. Optical microscopy, hardness test and scanning electron microscopy were employed to evaluate the metallurgical characteristics of welded joints. Tensile properties of weldments at different temperatures were studied and correlated with the microstructure. The results exhibit that current pulsing leads to the refinement of the weld microstructure and TiB whisker and the redistribution of reinforcements resulting in higher hardness, tensile strength and ductility of weldments in the as-welded condition.

Key words: titanium matrix composites; pulsed current; welding; mechanical properties; grain refinement; microstructure