Production of titanium alloys by molten salt electrolysis taking TiAl6V4 as example

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Bernd Friedrich; Dr.-Ing. Joachim Gussone, since 6/2015
• Subject Area: Metallurgical, Thermal and Thermomechanical Treatment of Materials
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 231123189

Titanium alloys are produced industrially by smelting. However, remelting is necessary to achieve the required quality. Additional process steps are necessary to adjust microstructure and composition, which is especially important for applications in the aerospace industry.Molten salt electrodeposition would make it possible to produce titanium alloys in fewer steps. By varying the deposition parameters, the microstructure and composition can be adjusted.There are opportunities in the field of surface treatment (coating) and electroforming, for example the direct production of slabs and plates. Another interesting possibility is the production of powders for powder metallurgy.As an application example of the evolving technology the manufacturing of titanium matrix composites is planned. The silicon carbide fibers are coated with the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V and then compacted to form a composite material.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr.-Ing. Joachim Hausmann, until 6/2015