Ti-6al-4V Grade 5 Eli Titanium Plate

Ti-6Al-4V, also known as TC4, is an alloy composed of 90% titanium (Ti), 6% aluminum (Al), and 4% vanadium (V). It is significantly stronger than pure titanium due to several key factors:

1. Alloying Elements: The addition of aluminum and vanadium in Ti-6Al-4V alloy introduces solid solution strengthening and precipitation hardening mechanisms. Aluminum forms a solid solution with titanium, increasing the strength of the material. Vanadium forms precipitates within the titanium matrix, further strengthening the alloy. These alloying elements enhance the overall strength and hardness of Ti-6Al-4V compared to pure titanium.

2. Crystal Structure: Pure titanium has a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) crystal structure, which limits its ability to undergo plastic deformation. In contrast, Ti-6Al-4V has a mixture of HCP and body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structures due to the presence of alloying elements. This dual-phase microstructure enables greater ductility and improved deformation behavior, leading to increased strength and toughness.

3. Grain Size Control: The alloying elements in Ti-6Al-4V alloy aid in controlling the grain size during the manufacturing process. Smaller grain sizes contribute to increased strength and hardness. The addition of aluminum and vanadium helps refine the grain structure, resulting in a stronger material compared to pure titanium.

4. Solid Solution Strengthening: The solid solution strengthening mechanism occurs when alloying elements are dissolved into the titanium matrix, creating lattice distortions and hindering dislocation movement. Aluminum and vanadium atoms in Ti-6Al-4V alloy form a solid solution with titanium, increasing the strength and hardness of the material.

5. Precipitation Hardening: The presence of vanadium in Ti-6Al-4V alloy allows for precipitation hardening. During heat treatment, vanadium atoms form precipitates within the titanium matrix, which further strengthen the alloy by impeding dislocation movement and increasing the material's resistance to deformation.

Overall, the combination of alloying elements, crystal structure, grain size control, and solid solution strengthening and precipitation hardening mechanisms in Ti-6Al-4V alloy significantly enhances its strength compared to pure titanium. This makes Ti-6Al-4V a preferred choice in applications where high strength, corrosion resistance, and light weight are required, such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries.