The primary application of a high-temperature box resistance furnace in this context is to thermally condition the TiBw/TA15 composite billets immediately prior to mechanical deformation. Specifically, it is used for the pre-sintering and soaking treatment of the encapsulated billets, typically heating them to approximately 1423 K.
Core Insight The furnace acts as a thermal equalizer, raising the billet's temperature above its beta phase transition point. This critical step minimizes the material's deformation resistance, transforming the rigid composite into a pliable state capable of withstanding the intense shear forces of hot extrusion.
The Mechanics of Thermal Preparation
Achieving Thermal Homogeneity
The box resistance furnace provides a stable environment for soaking the composite billets.
Soaking is not merely heating; it is the process of holding the material at a specific temperature until the thermal gradient is eliminated.
This ensures that the core of the billet reaches the same temperature as the surface, preventing internal stress fractures during processing.
Lowering Deformation Resistance
The primary goal of this heating stage is to prepare the material for physical shape change.
By heating the TiBw/TA15 composite to 1423 K, the furnace significantly lowers the flow stress of the material.
This reduction in resistance allows the billet to flow through the extrusion die without cracking or stalling the machinery.
Targeting the Beta Phase
The specific temperature of 1423 K is chosen to push the titanium matrix above its beta phase transition point.
In the beta phase, the crystal structure of the titanium alloy changes, becoming significantly more ductile.
This phase transformation is essential for accommodating the hard TiB whiskers (reinforcements) within the softer matrix during the extrusion flow.
Distinguishing Equipment Roles
Pre-Heating vs. Consolidation
It is vital to distinguish the role of the box resistance furnace from that of a vacuum hot pressing sintering furnace.
The vacuum furnace (mentioned in supplementary data) is used earlier in the lifecycle to create the composite through chemical reactions and pressure (e.g., 1473 K, 25 MPa).
In contrast, the box resistance furnace does not generate the reinforcement phase or apply pressure; it is purely a thermal preparation tool for an already-consolidated billet.
Atmosphere and Pressure Differences
The vacuum furnace operates at high vacuum ($10^{-2}$ Pa) to prevent oxidation during the long sintering process.
The box resistance furnace described here focuses on heating encapsulated billets.
Because the billets are encapsulated, the furnace does not necessarily require the high-vacuum environment used during the initial sintering phase.
Optimizing the Extrusion Workflow
To ensure the highest quality TiBw/TA15 profiles, you must apply the correct thermal treatment based on your processing stage.
- If your primary focus is reducing extrusion force: Ensure the box resistance furnace holds the billet at 1423 K long enough to fully transition the matrix to the beta phase.
- If your primary focus is preventing surface defects: Verify that the "soaking" period is sufficient to eliminate any temperature differences between the billet skin and core.
- If your primary focus is material synthesis: Do not rely on the box furnace; utilize vacuum hot pressing to facilitate the in-situ reaction and densification.
Proper thermal soaking transforms the composite from a brittle solid into a workable material, serving as the essential gateway to successful hot extrusion.
Summary Table:
| Process Feature | Specification / Detail | Role in TiBw/TA15 Extrusion |
|---|---|---|
| Target Temperature | 1423 K | Transitions matrix to beta phase for high ductility |
| Primary Function | Thermal Soaking | Ensures thermal homogeneity and eliminates internal gradients |
| Material Effect | Flow Stress Reduction | Lowers deformation resistance to prevent cracking |
| Phase Transition | Beta Transus Point | Transforms crystal structure to accommodate TiB whiskers |
| Equipment Role | Pre-extrusion Conditioning | Prepares consolidated billets for mechanical deformation |
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