ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR OF BETA-TITANIUM ALLOYS

Stemming from their unique combination of elevated strength, low densi ty, and good overall corrosion resistance, beta titanium alloys have b ecome attractive candidate materials for critical, high-stress compone nts in corrosive services. An overview of the comparative corrosion re sistance of beta alloys to conventional alpha and alpha/beta titanium alloys in common industrial and aerospace service environments general ly reveals attractive behavior depending on the environment and alloy composition and, in some cases, alloy condition. Expanded performance windows are especially noted for the molybdenum-rich beta alloys, part icularly with regard to resisting reducing acids, stress corrosion, an d high-temperature localized chloride attack, along with hydrogen and oxidation resistance. Where applicable, implications of this enhanced corrosion performance on current and perspective beta alloy applicatio ns are also noted.