Titanium Powder Oxygen Solid Solution via Cyclic Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing titanium powder with a solid-solution oxygen content are limited by agglomeration of TiO2 particles, which reduces ductility and sets an upper limit on oxygen content, limiting the material's strength and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving heating titanium powder in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to form a titanium oxide layer, followed by decomposition in an oxygen-free atmosphere to increase oxygen content in the solid solution, repeated multiple times to achieve a higher oxygen content range of 1.15 to 4.7 mass%, using a rotary kiln furnace for heat treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If TiO2 particles are added to increase oxygen content in titanium powder, then strength is improved, but TiO2 particles agglomerate causing reduction in ductility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and size parameters of TiO2 from large particles to fine coatings through controlled decomposition. By heating titanium powder in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to form TiO2 layers and then decomposing them in an oxygen-free atmosphere, the method produces fine TiO2 particles that disperse uniformly without agglomeration, maintaining both strength and ductility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary formation of TiO2 layers on titanium powder surfaces before final decomposition. This preliminary action of forming and decomposing TiO2 layers multiple times (cyclic treatment) ensures uniform distribution of fine TiO2 particles throughout the powder, preventing agglomeration while achieving desired oxygen content for strength enhancement
2Strength
If TiO2 particles are completely decomposed to increase oxygen content, then strength is improved, but production time increases due to multiple heating cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs periodic cyclic heating and cooling processes where titanium powder is repeatedly heated in oxygen-containing atmosphere to form TiO2 layers, then heated in oxygen-free atmosphere to decompose them. This periodic action of forming and decomposing TiO2 layers multiple times achieves complete decomposition and uniform oxygen distribution while managing production time through systematic cycle repetition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transitions of TiO2 during formation and decomposition cycles. By controlling atmospheric conditions (oxygen-containing vs. oxygen-free) and temperature, TiO2 is formed as a stable phase during oxidation, then decomposed back to titanium with oxygen incorporation during reduction, enabling complete decomposition while managing process time through phase change control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly increases the oxygen content in the titanium powder, enhancing its strength and maintaining appropriate ductility, with the produced titanium material exhibiting higher tensile and yield strengths and satisfactory elongation at break, while avoiding the limitations of agglomeration and fracture points.
Implementation Method 1
heating the titanium powder comprised of titanium particles in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to form a titanium oxide layer on a surface of the titanium particle
Implementation Method 2
heating the titanium powder having the titanium oxide layer in an oxygen-free atmosphere to decompose the titanium oxide layer on the surface of the titanium particle
Implementation Method 3
oxygen atoms thus dissociated form a solid solution in a matrix of the titanium particle
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for producing titanium powder containing a solid-soluted oxygen comprises the steps of: heating titanium powder comprised of titanium particles in an oxygen-containing atmosphere in a temperature range of 160° or higher and less than 600°C to form a titanium oxide layer on the surface of the titanium particle; and heating the titanium powder having the titanium oxide layer in an oxygen-free atmosphere in a temperature range of 450°C or higher and a melting point of the titanium oxide layer or lower to decompose the titanium oxide layer on the surface of the titanium particle so that oxygen atoms dissociated form a solid solution in a matrix of the titanium particle.