Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The alloy Ti-48.6Al-l.9Cr-l.9Nb-IB with an equiaxed γ microstructure, obtained by heat treatment at 1200°C for 4 h, and with a lamellar mi ero structure, obtained by heat treatment at 1380°C for 1 h, is characterized by compression tests and transmission electron microscopy. A lower activity of superdislocations and a more frequent pinning of ordinary dislocations are detected in the lamellar Ti-Al specimens in comparison with the non-lamellar ones during deformation at room temperature. The activity of superdislocations and the pinning of ordinary dislocations are responsible for the differences in yield stress and brittleness between lamellar and non-lamellar Ti-Al. A very high density of ordinary interfacial dislocations is found in the lamellar structure. These influence the activity of superdislocations and the pinning of ordinary dislocations. At high temperature a change in the deformation mechanism occurs. Above the brittle-to-ductile transition, the material is remarkably softer and the mechanical properties are insensitive to the presence of the lamellar interfaces.