A comparative study of microstructure and texture evolution in low cost titanium alloy swarf and powder recycled via FAST and HIP

Solid-state recycling of titanium alloy powder and swarf could improve the sustainability credentials of the aerospace industry, allowing other sectors to benefit from the “low-cost” titanium produced. This study compares the microstructure and crystallographic texture produced when Ti-6Al-4V powder and loose/briquetted swarf are recycled through FAST and HIP. Results show that different microstructures and textures can be achieved through control of the processing temperature. When processed above the beta transus temperature, there are similarities between swarf and powder, processed via FAST and HIP. However, processing below the beta transus results in differences between the swarf/powder and FAST/HIP processed samples. Both techniques can be successfully applied to recycle low-cost titanium swarf, however the pre-briquetting of swarf is recommended.