TITANIUM ALLOYS AND GOLF CLUB HEADS COMPRISING THE SAME

Abstract

A golf club head includes a striking face portion, and an aft body portion. The striking face portion includes a titanium alloy including four or more beta (β) stabilizers, one or more alpha (α) stabilizers, and a neutral element zirconium. Each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers is independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %. A titanium alloy includes titanium, four or more beta (β) stabilizers, one or more alpha (α) stabilizers, and a neutral element zirconium.

Description

BACKGROUND

Conceptually, the game of golf is a simple one. Strike a ball multiple times until it lands in the hole. In practice, however, golf requires incredible skill and training, perhaps some natural talent, and, of course, the right tools. As the game of golf has existed for many centuries, its tools—golf clubs—have gone through many iterations. Innovation has centered on the geometry, mechanical engineering, and materials of the shaft and club head. However, regulations on the tolerances and specifications of golf clubs make certain improvements more difficult. As such, recent research aiming to improve golf club performance has focused on materials science.

At its basic level, a golf club includes both a shaft and a club head typically constructed of different materials, and joined together at a specified angle dictated with tight tolerances by game regulations and the type of golf club—e.g., a driver (or “wood”) or an iron. And while club heads have historically been made of a variety of different materials—including different types of wood, and different metals—club heads now are most commonly made of titanium alloys. However, the golf industry has traditionally used titanium alloys developed for vastly different purposes, such as aerospace and defense applications. But the material requirements and chemical, mechanical and physical properties required of an alloy intended for aerospace and defense differ significantly from those required or desired in a golf club head. Therefore, the game of golf would greatly benefit from the development of alloy compositions specifically tailored to the performance needs and desires of a golf club.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a golf club head includes a striking face portion, and an aft body portion. The striking face portion includes a titanium alloy including four or more beta (β) stabilizers and one or more alpha (α) stabilizers. Each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers is independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may be independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %, or about 0.75 to about 1.25 wt %.

In some embodiments, the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may include Mn. And in some embodiments, each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may be present in the titanium alloy in generally the same amount.

According to some embodiments, the one or more alpha (α) stabilizers comprises Al. In some embodiments, the titanium alloy may include an amount of Al of about 7 to about 10 wt %.

Nonlimiting examples of the titanium alloy include alloy compositions selected from:

• • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—Sn, and
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—Sn—O.

According to some embodiments, the striking face portion may include a striking face insert, and the striking face insert may include the titanium alloy.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a titanium alloy includes titanium, four or more beta (β) stabilizers, and one or more alpha (α) stabilizers.

In some embodiments, the titanium alloy may further include one or more neutral elements.

According to some embodiments, each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may be independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may be independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %, or about 0.75 to about 1.25 wt %.

In some embodiments, the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may include Mn.

According to some embodiments, each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may present in the titanium alloy in generally the same amount. And in some embodiments, the generally same amount may be about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %.

In some embodiments, the one or more alpha (α) stabilizers may include Al. And in some embodiments, the Al may be present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 7 to about 10 wt %.

According to some embodiments, the titanium alloy may have a composition selected from:

• • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—Sn, and
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—Sn—O.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a golf club head includes a striking face portion including a titanium alloy, and an aft body portion. The titanium alloy includes one or more alpha (α) stabilizers, four or more beta (β) stabilizers, and a neutral element including zirconium. Each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may independently be present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %.

According to some embodiments, zirconium may be present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 1.5 to about 6 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, zirconium may be present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 4 to about 6 wt %.

In some embodiments, the titanium alloy may include Sn present in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %.

According to some embodiments, the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may include at least two selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe. In some embodiments, each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may independently be present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.75 to about 1.25 wt %. And in some embodiments, each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may be present in the titanium alloy in generally the same amount.

In some embodiments, the four or more beta (β) stabilizers may include Mo present in the titanium alloy in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %.

In some embodiments, the one or more alpha (α) stabilizers may include Al.

According to some embodiments, a composition of the titanium alloy may include Zr in an amount of 1.5 wt %, 2 wt %, 3 wt %, 4 wt %, 5 wt %, or 6 wt %, Al in an amount of 5 wt %, 6 wt %, 7 wt %, or 8 wt %, Nb in an amount of 0 wt % or 1 wt %, O in an amount of 0 wt %, 0.05 wt %, 0.1 wt %, 0.15 wt %, or 0.2 wt %, each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe in an amount of 1 wt %, and the composition includes Ti in a remaining amount of the composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a graph of Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) vs. Al content and includes curve fitted plots of the data from Examples 3, 6 and 9;

FIG. 1B is a graph of Yield Strength (YS) vs. Al content and includes curve fitted plots of the data from Examples 3, 6 and 9;

FIG. 1C is a graph of percent elongation vs. Al content and includes curve fitted plots of the data from Examples 3, 6 and 9;

FIG. 1D is a graph of Young's Modulus vs. Al content and includes curve fitted plots of the data from Examples 3, 6 and 9;

FIG. 1E is a graph of UTS vs. percent elongation and includes curve fitted plots of the data from Examples 3, 6 and 9;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf club head according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Pure titanium undergoes an allotropic phase transformation when heated to a “beta (β) transus” temperature of about 882° C. Specifically, below the beta (β) transus temperature, titanium has a closed packed hexagonal (CPH) lattice structure, but when heated above the beta (β) transus temperature, this changes to a body centered cubic (BCC) lattice structure. The CPH lattice structure phase is referred to as the “alpha (α) phase,” and the BCC lattice structure phase is referred to as the “beta (β) phase.” Titanium alloy design, therefore, can depend on which phase of titanium is desired, which, in turn, may depend on the specific application intended for the alloy. In particular, certain alloying elements can favor or stabilize the alpha (α) phase—termed “alpha (α) stabilizers”—while other alloying elements can favor or stabilize the beta (β) phase—termed “beta (β) stabilizers.” Alloying titanium with alpha (α) or beta (β) stabilizers causes a change in the beta (β) transus temperature. For example, addition of alpha (α) stabilizers tends to raise the beta (β) transus temperature, resulting in a more stable alpha (α) phase, while addition of beta (β) stabilizers tends to lower the beta (β) transus temperature, resulting in a more stable beta (β) phase.

With this in mind, titanium alloys are generally classified into four main categories depending on the type of alloying elements—and consequently, on which phases are present—in the alloy. Alpha (α) alloys contain alpha (α) stabilizers and, optionally neutral elements, but no beta (β) stabilizers. Near-alpha (α) alloys also contain alpha (α) stabilizers and potentially neutral elements, but also contain small amounts of beta (β) stabilizers. Alpha (α)-plus-beta (β) alloys have both alpha (α) and beta (β) stabilizers, and optionally neutral elements. And finally, beta (β) and near-beta (β) alloys have larger amounts of beta (β) stabilizers, smaller amounts of alpha (α) stabilizers or no alpha (α) stabilizers, and may also optionally include neutral elements. Of these, alpha (α)-plus-beta (β) alloys can be made with higher strength properties than the other categories.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an alpha (α)-plus-beta (β) (“AB” or “α-β”) titanium alloy includes at least four different beta (β) stabilizers, and at least one alpha (α) stabilizer. In some embodiments, for example, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include four or more different beta (β) stabilizers, for example, 4 to 10 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 9 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 8 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 7 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 6 different beta (β) stabilizers, or 4 to 5 different beta (β) stabilizers. And in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include one or more different alpha (α) stabilizers, for example, 1 to 4 different alpha (α) stabilizers, 1 to 3 different alpha (α) stabilizers, or 1 to 2 different alpha (α) stabilizers.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may further include up to two neutral elements—those that have little or no effect or influence on the beta (β) transus temperature. In some embodiments, however, the neutral elements may be omitted. For example, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy does not include any neutral elements. And in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include 1 to 2 different neutral elements.

In some embodiments, for example, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include titanium, 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, one or more alpha (α) stabilizers, and one or more neutral elements. And in some example embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 4 alpha (α) stabilizers, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 4 alpha (α) stabilizers, and two neutral elements, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 4 alpha (α) stabilizers, and no neutral elements. In addition, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, and two neutral elements, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, and no neutral elements. Also, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, one alpha (α) stabilizer, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, one alpha (α) stabilizer, and two neutral elements, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, one alpha (α) stabilizer, and no neutral elements. Additionally, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, two alpha (α) stabilizers, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, two alpha (α) stabilizers, and two neutral elements, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, two alpha (α) stabilizers, and no neutral elements.

The beta (β) stabilizers are not particularly limited and may include any suitable beta (β) stabilizers known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Nonlimiting examples of suitable beta (β) stabilizers include V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re. In some embodiments, for example, the beta (β) stabilizers may be selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, and Mo. And in some embodiments, the beta (β) stabilizers may be selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Nb, and Mo.

It is understood that any combination of any number of beta (β) stabilizers may be employed in the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure. By way of example only, when the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy includes 10 beta (β) stabilizers, any combination of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 10 beta (β) stabilizers, the beta (β) stabilizers may at least include V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Nb, and Mo, and the remaining four beta (β) stabilizers may be any combination of four of Cu, Ni, Ta, W, Hf, and Re. Similarly, in embodiments including 9, 8 or 7 beta (β) stabilizers, the beta (β) stabilizers may at least include V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Nb, and Mo, and the remaining 1, 2 or 3 beta (β) stabilizers may be any single element or combination of elements selected from Cu, Ni, Ta, W, Hf, and Re.

In embodiments including 6 beta (β) stabilizers, again, any combination of six of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 6 beta (β) stabilizers, the beta (β) stabilizers may include V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Nb, and Mo.

Similarly, in embodiments including 5 beta (β) stabilizers, any combination of five of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 5 beta (β) stabilizers, the beta (β) stabilizers may include at least V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, and the remaining beta (β) stabilizer may be Nb or Mo.

Also, in embodiments including 4 beta (β) stabilizers, again, any combination of four of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 4 beta (β) stabilizers, the beta (β) stabilizers may include V, Cr, Mn, and Fe.

Also, in some embodiments, the beta (β) stabilizers include Mn, resulting in an AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy that includes Mn and at least three (or three or more) additional beta (β) stabilizers. As discussed above, the three or more additional beta (β) stabilizers may be any combination of any three or more beta (β) stabilizers. For example, when the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy incudes 10 beta (β) stabilizers, the three or more additional beta (β) stabilizers (in addition to the Mn) includes 9 beta (β) stabilizers which may be any combination of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) without limitation. For example, in some embodiments, the 9 additional beta (β) stabilizers may at least include V, Cr, Fe, Nb, and Mo, and the remaining four beta (β) stabilizers may be any combination of four of Cu, Ni, Ta, W, Hf, and Re. Similarly, in embodiments including 9, 8 or 7 beta (β) stabilizers, the three or more additional beta (β) stabilizers (in addition to the Mn) include 8, 7 or 6 beta (β) stabilizers that may at least include V, Cr, Fe, Nb, and Mo, and the remaining 1, 2 or 3 beta (β) stabilizers may be any single element or combination of elements selected from Cu, Ni, Ta, W, Hf, and Re.

In embodiments including 6 beta (β) stabilizers, the three or more additional beta (β) stabilizers (in addition to the Mn) includes 5 beta (β) stabilizers, which may again be any combination of 5 of V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including Mn and 5 additional beta (β) stabilizers, the beta (β) stabilizers may include V, Cr, Fe, Nb, and Mo in addition to the Mn.

Similarly, in embodiments including 5 beta (β) stabilizers, the three or more additional beta (β) stabilizers (in addition to the Mn) includes 4 beta (β) stabilizers, which may be any combination of four of V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including Mn and 4 additional beta (β) stabilizers, the 4 additional beta (β) stabilizers may include at least V, Cr, and Fe, and the remaining beta (β) stabilizer may be Nb or Mo.

Also, in embodiments including 4 beta (β) stabilizers, the three or more additional beta (β) stabilizers (in addition to Mn) includes 3 beta (β) stabilizers, which, again, may be any combination of three of V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including Mn and three additional beta (β) stabilizers, the three additional beta (β) stabilizers may include V, Cr, and Fe in addition to the Mn.

The alpha (α) stabilizers are similarly not particularly limited, and may include any suitable alpha (α) stabilizers known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Nonlimiting examples of suitable alpha (α) stabilizers include Al, O, N and C. However, as the addition of Al as an alpha (α) stabilizer can improve the strength of the resulting alloy while also reducing density, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy includes at least Al as an alpha (α) stabilizer. And in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include Al as the main alpha (α) stabilizer, i.e., Al is either the only alpha (α) stabilizer, or is the alpha (α) stabilizer provided in the largest nominal amount among all included alpha (α) stabilizers.

As discussed above with respect to the beta (β) stabilizers, it is also understood that any combination of any number of alpha (α) stabilizers may be employed in the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments including 4 alpha (α) stabilizers, it follows that the alpha (α) stabilizers may include Al, O, N and C. However, in embodiments including 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, any combination of 3 of Al, O, N and C (or other known alpha (α) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, the alpha (α) stabilizers may include at least Al, and the remaining two alpha (α) stabilizers may be selected from O, N and C. In some embodiments, for example, the alpha (α) stabilizers may include at least Al and O, and the remaining alpha (α) stabilizer may be either N or C.

Similarly, in embodiments including 2 alpha (α) stabilizers, any combination of two of Al, O, N and C (or other known alpha (α) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 2 alpha (α) stabilizers, the alpha (α) stabilizers may include at least Al, and the remaining alpha (α) stabilizer may be O, N or C. In some embodiments, for example, the alpha (α) stabilizers may include Al and O.

Also, in embodiments including only 1 alpha (α) stabilizer, again, any of Al, O, N and C (or other known alpha (α) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including only one alpha (α) stabilizer, the alpha (α) stabilizer may be Al.

Also, in some embodiments, the alpha (α) stabilizers include Al, resulting in an AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy that includes Al either as the only alpha (α) stabilizer, or in addition to one or more additional alpha (α) stabilizers. As discussed above, the one or more additional alpha (α) stabilizers may be any combination of any one or more alpha (α) stabilizers. For example, when the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy includes 4 alpha (α) stabilizers, the one or more additional alpha (α) stabilizers includes the 3 additional alpha (α) stabilizers, O, N and C. However, in embodiments including 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, the one or more additional alpha (α) stabilizers includes 2 additional alpha (α) stabilizers which may include any combination of 2 of O, N and C (or other known alpha (α) stabilizer) without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, one of the 2 additional alpha (α) stabilizers (in addition to Al) may include O, and the remaining alpha (α) stabilizer may be either N or C.

And in embodiments including 2 alpha (α) stabilizers, the one or more additional alpha (α) stabilizers includes one additional alpha (α) stabilizer which may be any of O, N and C (or other known alpha (α) stabilizer) without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 2 alpha (α) stabilizers, the one additional alpha (α) stabilizer (in addition to Al) may be O.

The neutral elements are also not particularly limited, and may be any suitable neutral element that imparts little or no effect on the beta (β) transus temperature when included in the alloy. Nonlimiting examples of neutral elements include Zr, Si and Sn. For example, in some embodiments, the neutral elements may be selected from Zr and Sn.

As discussed above with respect to the alpha (α) and beta (β) stabilizers, it is also understood that any combination of any number of neutral elements may be employed in the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, when the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy includes 2 alpha (α) stabilizers, any combination of Zr, Si, and Sn (or other known neutral element) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation. However, in some such embodiments including 2 neutral elements, one of the neutral elements may include Sn, and the other of the 2 neutral elements may be either Zr or Si. And in some embodiments including 1 neutral element, the neutral element may be Sn or Zr.

Some nonlimiting examples of suitable AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy compositions include:

• • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Mo—Zr—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Sn,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Sn—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—O,
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—Sn, and
  • Ti—Al—V—Cr—Mn—Fe—Nb—Mo—Zr—Sn—O.

The nominal amounts of the various beta (β) stabilizers, alpha (α) stabilizers and neutral elements are not particularly limited, and may be any amounts suitable to achieve the desired chemical or physical properties in the resulting alloy. Throughout this disclosure, and in the claims, and unless otherwise stated, all amounts of the different alloy components—e.g., amounts of the alpha (α) and beta (β) stabilizers, neutral elements, and the titanium—refer to nominal amounts, whether the term “nominal” is used or not.

In some embodiments, the content of the beta (β) phase in the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may be calculated based on the amount of beta (β) stabilizers in the alloy composition. The beta (β) stabilizer content of the alloy is measured by Mo equivalency, which is calculated by the following Equation 1.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Mo}\mathrm{Equivalency}\mathrm{as}\mathrm{measure}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{Beta}\left(\beta \right)\mathrm{Stabilizer}\mathrm{Content}& \mathrm{Equation}1\end{array}$ $\mathrm{Mo}\mathrm{Eq}.=\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Mo}\right)+0.2\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Ta}\right)+0.28\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Nb}\right)+0.4\left(\mathrm{wt}\%W\right)+0.67\left(\mathrm{wt}\%V\right)+1.25\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Cr}\right)+1.25\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Ni}\right)+1.7\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Mn}\right)+1.7\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Co}\right)+2.5\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Fe}\right)$

In some embodiments, the beta (β) stabilizer content of the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may be about 1 to about 11 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, the beta (β) stabilizer content may be about 1 to about 10 wt %, about 1 to about 9 wt %, about 1 to about 8 wt %, about 1 to about 7 wt %, about 1 to about 6 wt %, about 1 to about 5 wt %, about 1 to about 4 wt %, about 2 to about 11 wt %, about 2 to about 10 wt %, about 2 to about 9 wt %, about 2 to about 8 wt %, about 2 to about 7 wt %, about 2 to about 6 wt %, about 2 to about 5 wt %, about 2 to about 4 wt %, about 3 to about 11 wt %, about 3 to about 10 wt %, about 3 to about 9 wt %, about 3 to about 8 wt %, about 3 to about 7 wt %, about 3 to about 6 wt %, about 3 to about 5 wt %, about 3 to about 4 wt %, about 4 to about 11 wt %, about 4 to about 10 wt %, about 4 to about 9 wt %, about 4 to about 8 wt %, about 4 to about 7 wt %, about 4 to about 6 wt %, or about 4 to about 5 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 4 to about 11 wt % and about 4 to about 8 wt % are disclosed above, a range of about 8 to about 11 wt % is also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the beta (β) stabilizer content may be about 4 to about 11 wt %, about 4 to about 10 wt %, about 4 to about 9 wt %, about 4 to about 8 wt %, about 4 to about 7 wt %, about 4 to about 6 wt %, or about 4 to about 5 wt %. And in some embodiments, for example, the beta (β) stabilizer content may be about 4 to about 6 wt %, or about 4 wt %, about 5 wt %, or about 6 wt %.

The amount of each of the individual beta (β) stabilizers is not particularly limited, and may be selected based on the desired beta (β) stabilization performance or desired alloy property (e.g., strength, elongation, etc.). However, in some embodiments, the amount of each of the beta (β) stabilizers may individually be about 2 wt % or lower, for example, about 1.5 wt % or lower, or about 1 wt % or lower. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of each of the beta (β) stabilizers may individually be about 0.1 to about 2 wt %, about 0.15 to about 2 wt %, about 0.2 to about 2 wt %, about 0.25 to about 2 wt %, about 0.3 to about 2 wt %, about 0.35 to about 2 wt %, about 0.4 to about 2 wt %, about 0.45 to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 to about 2 wt %, about 0.55 to about 2 wt %, about 0.6 to about 2 wt %, about 0.65 to about 2 wt %, about 0.7 to about 2 wt %, about 0.75 to about 2 wt %, about 0.8 to about 2 wt %, about 0.85 to about 2 wt %, about 0.9 to about 2 wt %, about 0.95 to about 2 wt %, about 1 to about 2 wt %, about 1.1 to about 2 wt %, about 1.15 to about 2 wt %, about 1.2 to about 2 wt %, about 1.25 to about 2 wt %, about 1.3 to about 2 wt %, about 1.35 to about 2 wt %, about 1.4 to about 2 wt %, about 1.45 to about 2 wt %, about 1.5 to about 2 wt %, about 1.55 to about 2 wt %, about 1.6 to about 2 wt %, about 1.65 to about 2 wt %, about 1.7 to about 2 wt %, about 1.75 to about 2 wt %, about 1.8 to about 2 wt %, about 1.85 to about 2 wt %, about 1.9 to about 2 wt %, about 1.95 to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.15 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.2 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.35 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.4 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.45 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.55 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.6 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.65 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.7 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.75 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.85 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.9 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.95 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.15 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.2 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.3 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.35 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.4 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.45 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.1 to about 1 wt %, about 0.15 to about 1 wt %, about 0.2 to about 1 wt %, about 0.25 to about 1 wt %, about 0.3 to about 1 wt %, about 0.35 to about 1 wt %, about 0.4 to about 1 wt %, about 0.45 to about 1 wt %, about 0.5 to about 1 wt %, about 0.55 to about 1 wt %, about 0.6 to about 1 wt %, about 0.65 to about 1 wt %, about 0.7 to about 1 wt %, about 0.75 to about 1 wt %, about 0.8 to about 1 wt %, about 0.85 to about 1 wt %, about 0.9 to about 1 wt %, or about 0.95 to about 1 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 0.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.75 to about 2 wt %, and about 1.25 to about 1.5 wt % are disclosed above, ranges of about 0.25 to about 1.25 wt %, or about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt % are also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the amount of each of the beta (β) stabilizers may individually be about 1 wt % or lower, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt %, or about 0.25 to about 1.25 wt %.

According to some embodiments, however, each beta (β) stabilizer in the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may be included in generally the same amount as each other beta (β) stabilizer. But the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is understood that in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may include different beta (β) stabilizers each in different amounts, or some beta (β) stabilizers in similar or generally the same amounts and other beta (β) stabilizers in different amounts. However, without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that providing all included beta (β) stabilizers in generally the same amounts in the alloy composition enables the alloy to behave in a manner similar to high-entropy alloys. Indeed, while the alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not true high-entropy alloys (due to the disproportionate amount of Ti, for example), again without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that providing all the included beta (β) stabilizers in equal proportions (even if other elements of the alloy may be provided in different amounts) allows the alloy composition to gain the advantages of each individual beta (β) stabilizer while minimizing potential detrimental effects of the individual beta (β) stabilizers. Naturally, each beta (β) stabilizer contributes different property enhancements and beta (β) stabilizing effects to the alloy. For example, while Fe is a very potent beta (β) stabilizer—with nearly 4 times the beta (β) stabilization performance of V—Fe can also cause alloy segregation, creating certain regions of the alloy that become more beta (β) than other regions. As each individual beta (β) stabilizer contributes different properties and advantages to the alloy in addition to beta (β) stabilization performance, providing 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers in the alloy composition enables the alloy to take advantage of many different benefits. And, again without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that providing the 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers in equal proportions within the alloy allows these advantages to stand while also minimizing certain adverse effects that each individual beta (β) stabilizer might bring.

In such embodiments in which the beta (β) stabilizers are provided in generally equal proportions within the alloy, the generally equal amount of each of the beta (β) stabilizers is not particularly limited, and may be selected based on the desired beta (β) stabilization performance or desired alloy property (e.g., strength, elongation, etc.). However, in some embodiments, the generally equal amount of each of the beta (β) stabilizers may be the same as the ranges discussed above in connection with the beta (β) stabilizers individually.

The content of the alpha (α) phase in the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may be calculated based on the amount of alpha (α) stabilizers and certain neutral elements in the alloy composition. The alpha (α) stabilizer content of the alloy is measured by Al equivalency, which is calculated by the following Equation 2.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{Equivalency}\mathrm{as}\mathrm{measure}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{Alpha}\left(\alpha \right)\mathrm{Stabilizer}\mathrm{Content}& \mathrm{Equation}2\end{array}$ $\mathrm{Al}\mathrm{Eq}.=\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Al}\right)+0.33\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Sn}\right)+0.16\left(\mathrm{wt}\%\mathrm{Zr}\right)+10\left[\left(\mathrm{wt}\%O\right)+\left(\mathrm{wt}\%C\right)+2\left(\mathrm{wt}\%N\right)\right]$

The alpha (α) stabilizer content, as measured by Al equivalency, may be about 2 to about 12 wt %, about 3 to about 12 wt %, or about 4 to about 12 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, the alpha (α) stabilizer content may be about 2 to about 11 wt %, about 2 to about 10 wt %, about 2 to about 9 wt %, about 2 to about 8 wt %, about 2 to about 7 wt %, about 2 to about 6 wt %, about 2 to about 5 wt %, about 2 to about 4 wt %, about 2 to about 3 wt %, about 3 to about 11 wt %, about 3 to about 10 wt %, about 3 to about 9 wt %, about 3 to about 8 wt %, about 3 to about 7 wt %, about 3 to about 6 wt %, about 3 to about 5 wt %, about 3 to about 4 wt %, about 4 to about 11 wt %, about 4 to about 10 wt %, about 4 to about 9 wt %, about 4 to about 8 wt %, about 4 to about 7 wt %, about 4 to about 6 wt %, or about 4 to about 5 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 4 to about 11 wt % and about 4 to about 8 wt % are disclosed above, a range of about 8 to about 11 wt % is also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the alpha (α) stabilizer content may be about 3 to about 11 wt %, about 4 to about 11 wt %, about 5 to about 11 wt %, about 6 to about 11 wt %, about 7 to about 11 wt %, about 8 to about 11 wt %, or about 9 to about 11 wt %.

The amount of each of the individual alpha (α) stabilizers is also not particularly limited, and may be selected based on the desired performance or alloy property (e.g., strength, elongation, etc.). However, in some embodiments, the amount of each of the alpha (α) stabilizers may individually be about 10 wt % or lower, for example, about 9 wt % or lower, or about 8 wt % or lower. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of each of the alpha (α) stabilizers may individually be about 0.05 to about 10 wt %, about 0.1 to about 10 wt %, about 0.15 to about 10 wt %, about 0.2 to about 10 wt %, about 0.25 to about 10 wt %, about 0.05 to about 9 wt %, about 0.1 to about 9 wt %, about 0.15 to about 9 wt %, about 0.2 to about 9 wt %, about 0.25 to about 9 wt %, about 0.05 to about 8 wt %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt %, about 0.15 to about 8 wt %, about 0.2 to about 8 wt %, or about 0.25 to about 8 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 0.05 to about 10 wt % and about 0.25 to about 10 wt % are disclosed above, a range of about 0.05 to about 0.25 wt % is also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the amount of each of the alpha (α) stabilizers may individually be about 0.1 to about 9 wt %.

Additionally, without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the addition of 4 or more different beta (β) stabilizers in the alloy composition enables the addition of increased amounts of aluminum without compromising the desired performance or alloy properties. It is also believed, again without being bound by any particular theory, that the addition of these 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers in generally equal proportions in the alloy composition also enables the addition of higher amounts of Al. Al is a potent strengthener within the alloy composition, and also reduces the density of the resulting alloy. But conventional thought dictates that excess amounts of Al adversely affect the elongation properties of the alloy. Thus, conventional titanium alloy designs have somewhat limited Al content.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, however, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys can include increased amounts of Al but still maintain appropriate or acceptable elongation properties. Indeed, in some embodiments, the increased Al in the alloy composition results in an alloy having improved strength properties of the alloys while maintaining acceptable elongation properties. For example, in some embodiments, the Al may be present in the alloy composition in an amount of up to about 10 wt %, for example, up to about 9 wt %, or up to about 8 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, the Al may be present in the alloy composition in an amount of about 1 to about 10 wt %, about 1 to about 9 wt %, about 1 to about 8 wt %, about 2 to about 10 wt %, about 2 to about 9 wt %, about 2 to about 8 wt %, about 3 to about 10 wt %, about 3 to about 9 wt %, about 3 to about 8 wt %, about 4 to about 10 wt %, about 4 to about 9 wt %, about 4 to about 8 wt %, about 5 to about 10 wt %, about 5 to about 9 wt %, about 5 to about 8 wt %, about 6 to about 10 wt %, about 6 to about 9 wt %, about 6 to about 8 wt %, about 7 to about 10 wt %, about 7 to about 9 wt %, or about 7 to about 8 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 6 to about 10 wt % and about 5 to about 9 wt % are disclosed above, a range of about 6 to about 9 wt % is also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the Al may be present in the alloy composition in an amount of about 3 to about 10 wt %, about 6 to about 10 wt %, about 7 to about 10 wt %, or about 8 to about 10 wt %.

Considering this, as well as the fact that 0, N and C are stronger alpha (α) stabilizers than Al, in some embodiments, alpha (α) stabilizers other than Al in the alloy composition may be provided in lower amounts, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, non-Al alpha (α) stabilizers may be present in the composition in a combined amount (i.e., sum total amount of all non-Al alpha (α) stabilizers) or individual amounts (i.e., each non-Al stabilizer may be present individually in an amount) of about 0.05 to about 1 wt %, or about 0.1 to about 1 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, the non-Al alpha (α) stabilizers may be present in the alloy composition in a combined or individual amount of about 0.05 to about 1 wt %, about 0.1 to about 1 wt %, about 0.15 to about 1 wt %, about 0.2 to about 1 wt %, about 0.25 to about 1 wt %, about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.1 to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.15 to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.2 to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.25 to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.05 to about 0.25 wt %, about 0.1 to about 0.25 wt %, about 0.15 to about 0.25 wt %, about 0.2 to about 0.25. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 0.05 to about 1 wt % and about 0.15 to about 1 wt % are disclosed above, a range of about 0.05 to about 0.15 wt % is also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the non-Al alpha (α) stabilizers may be present in the alloy composition in an amount of about 0.05 to about 0.25 wt %, or about 0.1 to about 0.25 wt %.

The amount of each of the individual neutral elements is also not particularly limited, and may be selected based on the desired performance or alloy property (e.g., strength, elongation, etc.). However, in some embodiments, the amount of each of the neutral elements may individually be about 2 wt % or lower, for example, about 1.5 wt % or lower, or about 1 wt % or lower. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of each of the neutral elements may individually be about 0.1 to about 2 wt %, about 0.15 to about 2 wt %, about 0.2 to about 2 wt %, about 0.25 to about 2 wt %, about 0.3 to about 2 wt %, about 0.35 to about 2 wt %, about 0.4 to about 2 wt %, about 0.45 to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 to about 2 wt %, about 0.55 to about 2 wt %, about 0.6 to about 2 wt %, about 0.65 to about 2 wt %, about 0.7 to about 2 wt %, about 0.75 to about 2 wt %, about 0.8 to about 2 wt %, about 0.85 to about 2 wt %, about 0.9 to about 2 wt %, about 0.95 to about 2 wt %, about 1 to about 2 wt %, about 1.1 to about 2 wt %, about 1.15 to about 2 wt %, about 1.2 to about 2 wt %, about 1.25 to about 2 wt %, about 1.3 to about 2 wt %, about 1.35 to about 2 wt %, about 1.4 to about 2 wt %, about 1.45 to about 2 wt %, about 1.5 to about 2 wt %, about 1.55 to about 2 wt %, about 1.6 to about 2 wt %, about 1.65 to about 2 wt %, about 1.7 to about 2 wt %, about 1.75 to about 2 wt %, about 1.8 to about 2 wt %, about 1.85 to about 2 wt %, about 1.9 to about 2 wt %, about 1.95 to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.15 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.2 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.35 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.4 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.45 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.55 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.6 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.65 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.7 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.75 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.85 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.9 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.95 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.15 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.2 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.3 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.35 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.4 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.45 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.1 to about 1 wt %, about 0.15 to about 1 wt %, about 0.2 to about 1 wt %, about 0.25 to about 1 wt %, about 0.3 to about 1 wt %, about 0.35 to about 1 wt %, about 0.4 to about 1 wt %, about 0.45 to about 1 wt %, about 0.5 to about 1 wt %, about 0.55 to about 1 wt %, about 0.6 to about 1 wt %, about 0.65 to about 1 wt %, about 0.7 to about 1 wt %, about 0.75 to about 1 wt %, about 0.8 to about 1 wt %, about 0.85 to about 1 wt %, about 0.9 to about 1 wt %, or about 0.95 to about 1 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 0.25 to about 1.5 wt % and about 1.25 to about 1.5 wt % are disclosed above, a range of about 0.25 to about 1.25 wt % is also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the amount of each of the neutral elements may individually be about 1 wt % or lower, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt %, or about 0.25 to about 1.25 wt %.

As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the amount of Ti in the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy is represented by 100-[total beta (β) stabilizer wt %]-[total alpha (α) stabilizer wt %]-[total neutral element wt %], such that the total wt % of the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy is 100 wt %.

The AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure have many beneficial mechanical properties which make them particularly useful materials for the manufacture of—among other things—golf clubs, and particularly for the manufacture of golf club heads, and golf club head striking faces. For example, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have an Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of about 140 ksi or greater (or about 965 MPa or greater). In some embodiments, for example, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a UTS of about 145 ksi or greater (about 1000 MPa or greater), about 150 ksi or greater (about 1034 MPa or greater), about 155 ksi or greater (about 1069 MPa or greater), about 160 ksi or greater (about 1103 MPa or greater), about 165 ksi or greater (about 1138 MPa or greater), about 170 ksi or greater (about 1172 MPa or greater), about 175 ksi or greater (about 1207 MPa or greater), or about 180 ksi or greater (about 1241 MPa or greater). In some embodiments, for example, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a UTS of about 140 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 140 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 140 ksi to about 185 ksi, about 145 ksi, to about 200 ksi, about 145 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 145 ksi to about 185 ksi, about 150 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 150 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 150 ksi to about 185 ksi, about 155 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 155 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 155 ksi to about 185 ksi, about 160 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 160 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 160 ksi to about 185 ksi, about 165 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 165 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 165 ksi to about 185 ksi, about 170 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 170 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 170 ksi to about 185 ksi, about 180 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 180 ksi to about 190 ksi, or about 180 ksi to about 185 ksi. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 140 to about 200 ksi and about 175 to about 185 ksi are disclosed above, ranges of about 140 ksi to about 175 ksi and about 185 ksi to about 200 ksi are also contemplated and included within these ranges.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a Yield Strength (YS) of about 100 ksi or greater (or about 689 MPa or greater). In some embodiments, for example, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a YS of about 110 ksi or greater (about 758 MPa or greater), about 120 ksi or greater (about 827 MPa or greater), about 130 ksi or greater (about 896 MPa or greater), about 140 ksi or greater (about 965 MPa or greater), about 150 ksi or greater (about 1034 MPa or greater), about 160 ksi or greater (about 1103 MPa or greater), about 170 ksi or greater (about 1172 MPa or greater), or about 180 ksi or greater (about 1241 MPa or greater). In some embodiments, for example, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a YS of about 100 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 100 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 100 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 100 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 110 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 110 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 110 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 110 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 120 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 120 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 120 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 120 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 130 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 130 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 130 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 130 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 140 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 140 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 140 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 140 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 150 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 150 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 150 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 150 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 160 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 160 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 160 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 160 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 170 ksi to about 200 ksi, about 170 ksi to about 190 ksi, about 170 ksi to about 180 ksi, about 170 ksi to about 175 ksi, about 180 ksi to about 200 ksi, or about 180 ksi to about 190 ksi. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 140 to about 175 ksi and about 170 to about 200 ksi are disclosed above, ranges of about 140 ksi to about 170 ksi and about 175 ksi to about 200 ksi are also contemplated and included within these ranges.

Further, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys have acceptable elongation properties. For example, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys have a percent elongation of about 5 or greater. In some embodiments for example, the alloys may have a percent elongation of about 8 or greater, about 10 or greater, or about 15 or greater. For example, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a percent elongation of about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 15, about 5 to about 10, about 8 to about 20, about 8 to about 15, about 8 to about 10, about 10 to about 20, about 10 to about 15, or about 15 to about 20. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 5 to about 20 and about 8 to about 10 are disclosed above, a range of about 5 to about 8 is also contemplated and included within these ranges.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a Young's Modulus of about 100 GPa or greater. In some embodiments for example, the alloys may have a Young's Modulus of about 110 GPa or greater, or about 120 GPa or greater. For example, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a Young's Modulus of about 100 GPa to about 140 GPa, about 100 GPa to about 130 GPa, about 100 GPa to about 125 GPa, about 100 GPa to about 120 GPa, about 110 GPa to about 140 GPa, about 110 GPa to about 130 GPa, about 110 GPa to about 125 GPa, about 110 GPa to about 120 GPa, about 120 GPa to about 140 GPa, about 120 GPa to about 130 GPa, or about 120 GPa to about 125 GPa. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 100 GPa to about 120 GPa and about 110 GPa to about 140 GPa are disclosed above, a range of about 100 GPa to about 110 GPa is also contemplated and included within these ranges.

Also, in some embodiments, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may have a Poisson's ratio value of about 0.3 to about 0.4. In some embodiments for example, the alloys may have a Poisson's ratio value of about 0.31 to about 0.35, or about 0.31 to about 0.34.

The AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may also have a Rockwell Hardness of lower than about 50. For example, in some embodiments, the alloys may have a Rockwell Harness of about 45 or lower, or about 40 or lower. In some embodiments, for example, the alloys may have a Rockwell Harness of about 30 to about 50, about 30 to about 45, about 30 to about 40, about 35 to about 50, about 35 to about 45, or about 35 to about 45. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 30 to about 45 and about 35 to about 40 are disclosed above, ranges of about 30 to about 35 and about 40 to about 45 are also contemplated and included within these ranges.

The AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys also have a favorable Pseudo Elastic Limit (PEL). The PEL is calculated as a ratio of Yield Strength to Young's Modulus and expressed as a percentage, and is a measure of the elasticity of the material, indicating how much the material can be stretched without permanently deforming. Specifically, the PEL is calculated using the following Equation 3.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{PEL}=\left(\mathrm{Yield}\mathrm{Strength}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{MPa}\right)/\left(\mathrm{Young}\text{'}s\mathrm{Modulus}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{MPa}\right)\times 100& \mathrm{Equation}3‐\mathrm{Pseudo}\mathrm{Elastic}\mathrm{limit}\left(\mathrm{PEL}\right)\end{array}$

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys have a PEL of about 0.6 or greater, for example, about 0.7 or greater, or about 0.8 or greater. In some embodiments, for example, the alloys may have a PEL of about 0.6 to about 1.1, about 0.6 to about 1, about 0.6 to about 0.9, about 0.6 to about 0.8, about 0.7 to about 1.1, about 0.7 to about 1, 0.7 to about 0.9, 0.7 to about 0.8, about 0.8 to about 1.1, about 0.8 to about 1, or about 0.8 to about 0.9. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 0.6 to about 1 and about 0.7 to about 0.8 are disclosed above, a range of about 0.6 to about 0.7 is also contemplated and included within these ranges.

The AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be made by any suitable procedure. By way of example only, and without limitation, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys may begin (or be initially prepared) as cast ingots which are thereafter converted to wrought forms—such as plate, sheet, bars, etc. —by any suitable technique, nonlimiting examples of which include hot forging, hot rolling, and/or cold rolling. This processing is typically referred to as “thermo-mechanical” processing, and those of ordinary skill in the art would be familiar with such procedures, and would be readily capable of making the alloys disclosed herein using these procedures.

According to some embodiments, a method of making the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys includes thermo-mechanically processing the alloy composition into an alloy sheet. The thickness of the alloy sheet is not particularly limited, but in some embodiments, may be about 2 to about 10 mm thick, about 3 to about 8 mm thick, or about 5 mm thick. The thermomechanical processing may include hot forging a cast block of the alloy material, followed by hot rolling the hot forged material into the alloy sheet. The hot forging or hot rolling may be performed at any suitable temperature, without limitation. In some embodiments, for example, the hot forging or hot rolling may be performed at a temperature above about 750 C.

Thermo-mechanical processing breaks down the coarse microstructure of the as-cast alloy, resulting in a fine-grained microstructure. The alloy material resulting from this processing has high mechanical strength and high elongation properties. Thermo-mechanical processing also serves to better homogenize the chemical composition of the alloy material, yielding a more consistent set of mechanical properties throughout the entire batch of the alloy material.

EXAMPLES

The following examples and comparative examples are presented for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the scope or content of the present disclosure or claims.

Examples 1-9

The alloy compositions listed in Table 1 below were prepared by hot rolling. Specifically, the alloy compositions were cast to form an alloy cast block, which was then thermo-mechanically processed into an alloy sheet having a thickness of about 5 mm. The thermo-mechanical processing included hot forging the cast block, followed by hot rolling the hot forged material into the alloy sheet. The hot forging and hot rolling were performed at a temperature above about 750 C.

TABLE 1
Alloy Compositions
Example Alloy Composition
1       Ti—5Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Sn—0.13O
2       Ti—6Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Sn—0.13O
3       Ti—8Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Sn—0.13O
4       Ti—4Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Mo—1Nb—0.13O
5       Ti—6Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Mo—1Nb—0.13O
6       Ti—8Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Mo—1Nb—0.13O
7       Ti—3Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Mo—1Nb—1Zr—1Sn—0.13O
8       Ti—6Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Mo—1Nb—1Zr—1Sn—0.13O
9       Ti—8Al—1V—1Cr—1Fe—1Mn—1Mo—1Nb—1Zr—1Sn—0.13O

In Table 1, the number preceding the alloying element in the alloy composition is the wt % of that element in the composition. For example, the Ti-5Al-1V-1Cr-1Fe-1Mn-1Sn-0.13O composition incudes 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Fe, Mn and Sn, and 0.13 wt % O, with the balance being Ti.

Comparative Examples 1-3

The commercially available products listed in the below Table 2 were used as Comparative Examples 1-5.

TABLE 2
Comparative Examples 1-3
Example     Commercial Product
Comp. Ex. 1 Ti—6Al—4V available from O-Ta
            Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)
Comp. Ex. 2 Ti—6Al—4V available from
            FuSheng Precision Co., Ltd. (Taiwan)
Comp. Ex. 3 ATI 425 ® available from ATI
            Properties Inc. (Pennsylvania, USA)

ATI 425® is a registered trademark of ATI Properties, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA, USA)

The mechanical properties of the alloy compositions of Examples 1-9 and Comparative Examples 1-3 were measured by machining tensile samples from the rolled sheets. The mechanical properties in the longitudinal (or rolling) direction are reported in Table 3, below.

TABLE 3
Mechanical Properties of Examples 1-9
	Ultimate					Pseudo-
	Tensile	Yield			Poisson's	Elastic	Rockwell
	Strength	Strength	%	Young's	ratio	Limit	Hardness
Example	(UTS)	(YS)	Elong.	Modulus	(P ratio)	(PEL)(%)	(HRC)
1	150.7 ksi	135.7 ksi	17.0	113.2 GPa	0.3308	0.8180	38.07
	1036 MPa	926 MPa
2	165.0 ksi	152.0 ksi	14.3	118.5 GPa	0.3207	0.8835	40.22
	1133 MPa	1047 MPa
3	182.7 ksi	173.3 ksi	13.7	124.4 GPa	0.3176	0.9601	42.89
	1259 MPa	1194 MPa
4	147.3 ksi	113.3 ksi	15.7	109.0 GPa	0.3210	0.7170	36.06
	1015 MPa	781 MPa
5	156.7 ksi	147.7 ksi	13.3	111.0 GPa	0.3231	0.9162	39.51
	1079 MPa	1017 MPa
6	176.3 ksi	168.3 ksi	12.1	120.4 GPa	0.3209	0.9634	42.09
	1215 MPa	1160 MPa
7	148.7 ksi	129.0 ksi	13.7	103.4 GPa	0.3398	0.8602	37.29
	1025 MPa	889 MPa
8	159.7 ksi	151.0 ksi	14.3	110.7 GPa	0.3284	0.9401	38.99
	1100 MPa	1040 MPa
9	183.3 ksi	174.0 ksi	8.8	118.7 GPa	0.3185	1.010	43.34
	1263 MPa	1199 MPa
Comp.	151.0 ksi	135.3 ksi	15.0	112.1 GPa	0.3399	0.8260	34.59
Ex. 1	1040 MPa	926 MPa
Comp.	150.7 ksi	138.7 ksi	13.7	114.2 GPa	0.3378	0.8367	36.33
Ex. 2	1038 MPa	955.6 MPa
Comp.	155.3 ksi	142.0 ksi	14.7	115.0 GPa	0.3304	0.8508	38.2
Ex. 3	1070 MPa	978.4 MPa

In Table 3, the Pseudo Elastic Limit (PEL) is a measure of the elasticity of the material, and indicates how much the material can be stretched without permanently deforming. The PEL is a ratio of the Yield Strength (in MPa) to the Young's Modulus (in MPa).

As can be seen in the above Table 3, and particularly in a comparison of Examples 3, 6 and 9 (including 8 wt % Al) with Comparative Examples 1-3, the alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure achieve improved strength properties while maintaining good elongation. For example, while Comparative Examples 1-3 were able to achieve elongation of 13.7-15%, the UTS values for these alloys were 150.7-155.3 ksi. In contrast, Example 6 achieved a significantly improved UTS of 176.3 ksi, while maintaining a comparable, and still acceptable, elongation of 12.1%. Examples 3 and 9 also both achieved significantly improved UTS values of 182.7 ksi and 183.3 ksi, respectively, as well as comparable or acceptable elongation values of 13.7% and 8.8%.

Additionally, the properties noted above in Table 3 confirm that strength may be improved while maintaining acceptable elongation properties with increased Al content in the alloy compositions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in each of Examples 3, 6 and 9—including 8 wt % Al—strength properties were improved (registering a UTS of 182.7 ksi, 176.3 ksi and 183.3 ksi, respectively) while maintaining acceptable elongation (registering, 13.7%, 12.1% and 8.8%, respectively).

Extrapolating the data from Table 3 to predict the properties of similar alloys having an even further increased Al content suggests that the alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include even higher amounts of Al in order to further improve strength, while also maintaining acceptable elongation. This can be seen in the graphs of FIGS. 1A-D, which curve fit the data for Examples 1 through 9 to a linear relationship based on Al content, which may then be used to predict the corresponding properties of a higher Al content alloy. FIG. 1A plots these curve fittings for the UTS property as a function of Al content; FIG. 1B plots these curve fittings for the Yield Strength property as a function of Al content; FIG. 1C plots these curve fittings for the percent elongation property as a function of Al content; and FIG. 1D plots these curve fittings for the Young's Modulus property as a function of Al content. FIG. 1E curve fits the UTS data as a function of elongation. In each of FIGS. 1A-1E, there are three data traces corresponding to the curve fitted plots for the sets of alloys with similar compositions. Specifically, the first trace plots the data from Examples 1-3, all of which alloys include the same elemental composition, differing only in the Al content (i.e., Example 1 has 5 wt % Al, Example 2 has 6 wt % Al, and Example 3 has 8 wt % Al). Similarly, the second data trace plots the data from Examples 4-6, all of which alloys include the same elemental composition, differing only in the Al content (i.e., Example 1 has 5 wt % Al, Example 2 has 6 wt % Al, and Example 3 has 8 wt % Al). And finally, the third data trace plots the data from Examples 7-9, all of which alloys include the same elemental composition, differing only in the Al content (i.e., Example 1 has 5 wt % Al, Example 2 has 6 wt % Al, and Example 3 has 8 wt % Al).

Using the plots from FIGS. 1A-E, the properties of hypothetical 9 wt % Al alloys having the compositions Ti-9Al-1V-1 Cr-1 Fe-1Mn-1Sn-0.13O (Hyp. Ex. 1), Ti-9Al-1V-1Cr-1Fe-1Mn-1Mo-1Nb-0.13O (Hyp. Ex. 2), and Ti-9Al-1V-1Cr-1Fe-1Mn-1MO-1Nb-1Zr-1Sn-0.13O (Hyp. Ex. 3) can be predicted. These predicted values are shown in the below Table 4.

TABLE 4
Predicted Mechanical Properties for Hypothetical 9 wt % Al alloys
			Pred.	Pred.	Pred.
	Pred.	Pred.	%	Young's	PEL
Example	UTS	YS	Elong	Modulus	(%)
Hyp. Ex. 1	193.9 ksi	186.4 ksi	12.4	128.4 GPa	1.000
	1336 MPa	1284 MPa
Hyp. Ex. 2	181.9 ksi	184.4 ksi	11.0	122 GPa	1.041
	1253 MPa	1271 MPa
Hyp. Ex. 3	186.1 ksi	180.9 ksi	9.3	121 GPa	1.030
	1282 MPa	1246 MPa

As can be seen in Table 4 above, the hypothetical 9% Al alloys according to embodiments of the present disclosure are also predicted to have significantly improved strength properties, while maintaining acceptable elongation properties. Although the extrapolated data presented here is theoretical, those of ordinary skill in the art would have a reasonable expectation of success in achieving these predicted material properties. Nevertheless, the actual material properties achieved by these theoretical alloys may differ slightly from these predictions—particularly the elongation properties—without departing from the spirit, scope and content of the present disclosure.

The titanium alloy according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be a zirconium-rich titanium alloy that is an alpha (α)-plus-beta (β) (“AB” or “α-β”) titanium alloy including at least four different beta (β) stabilizers, at least one alpha (α) stabilizer, and up to two neutral elements. The term “zirconium-rich titanium alloy”, as defined in the present disclosure, does not mean a material having greater than 50 wt % of zirconium, but rather, means that the titanium alloy has more than a normal trace amount of zirconium. More specifically, the term “zirconium-rich alloy” can be interpreted to mean a titanium base material with a zirconium in the range of about 1.5 to about 6.0 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include four or more different beta (β) stabilizers, for example, 4 to 10 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 9 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 8 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 7 different beta (β) stabilizers, 4 to 6 different beta (β) stabilizers, or 4 to 5 different beta (β) stabilizers. In some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include one or more different alpha (α) stabilizers, for example, 1 to 4 different alpha (α) stabilizers, 1 to 3 different alpha (α) stabilizers, or 1 to 2 different alpha (α) stabilizers. In some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include one or two different neutral elements. And in some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include a single (e.g., one) neutral element.

In some embodiments, for example, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include titanium, 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, one or more alpha (α) stabilizers, and one or two different neutral elements. And in some example embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 4 alpha (α) stabilizers, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 4 alpha (α) stabilizers, and two neutral elements. In addition, in some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, 3 alpha (α) stabilizers, and two neutral elements. Also, in some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, one alpha (α) stabilizer, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, one alpha (α) stabilizer, and two neutral elements. Additionally, in some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, two alpha (α) stabilizers, and one neutral element, or may include 4 or more beta (β) stabilizers, two alpha (α) stabilizers, and two neutral elements.

The zirconium-rich titanium alloy includes zirconium as a single (e.g., one) neutral element, and may include two different neutral elements selected from zirconium and silicon. In some embodiments, the neutral element content of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy including two different neutral elements may be about 1 to about 6 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, the neutral element content of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy including two different neutral elements may be about 1 to about 5 wt %, about 1 to about 4 wt %, about 1 to about 3 wt %, about 1 to about 2 wt %, about 2 to about 6 wt %, about 2 to about 5 wt %, about 2 to about 4 wt %, about 2 to about 3 wt %, about 3 to about 6 wt %, about 3 to about 5 wt %, about 3 to about 4 wt %, about 4 to about 6 wt %, about 4 to about 5 wt %, or about 5 to about 6 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges.

In some embodiments, for example, zirconium may be present in the zirconium-rich titanium alloy in an amount of about 1 to about 6 wt %, about 1.25 to about 6 wt %, about 1.5 to about 6 wt %, about 1.75 to about 6 wt %, about 2 to about 6 wt %, about 2.25 to about 6 wt %, about 2.5 to about 6 wt %, about 2.75 to about 6 wt %, about 3 to about 6 wt %, about 3.25 to about 6 wt %, about 3.5 to about 6 wt %, about 3.75 to about 6 wt %, about 4 to about 6 wt %, about 4.25 to about 6 wt %, about 4.5 to about 6 wt %, about 4.75 to about 6 wt %, about 5 to about 6 wt %, about 5.25 to about 6 wt %, about 5.5 to about 6 wt %, or about 5.75 to about 6 wt %, about 1 to about 5 wt %, about 1.25 to about 5 wt %, about 1.5 to about 5 wt %, about 1.75 to about 5 wt %, about 2 to about 5 wt %, about 2.25 to about 5 wt %, about 2.5 to about 5 wt %, about 2.75 to about 5 wt %, about 3 to about 5 wt %, about 3.25 to about 5 wt %, about 3.5 to about 5 wt %, about 3.75 to about 5 wt %, about 4 to about 5 wt %, about 4.25 to about 5 wt %, about 4.5 to about 5 wt %, about 4.75 to about 5 wt %, about 1 to about 4 wt %, about 1.25 to about 4 wt %, about 1.5 to about 4 wt %, about 1.75 to about 4 wt %, about 2 to about 4 wt %, about 2.25 to about 4 wt %, about 2.5 to about 4 wt %, about 2.75 to about 4 wt %, about 3 to about 4 wt %, about 3.25 to about 4 wt %, about 3.5 to about 4 wt %, about 3.75 to about 4 wt %, about 1 to about 3 wt %, about 1.25 to about 3 wt %, about 1.5 to about 3 wt %, about 1.75 to about 3 wt %, about 2 to about 3 wt %, about 2.25 to about 3 wt %, about 2.5 to about 3 wt %, about 2.75 to about 3 wt %, about 1 to about 2 wt %, about 1.25 to about 2 wt %, about 1.5 to about 2 wt %, or about 1.75 to about 2 wt %.

It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges.

The zirconium-rich titanium alloy according to some embodiments may substantially exclude (e.g., not include) tin (Sn), e.g., as a neutral element. For example, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include tin (Sn) in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %. In some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include tin (Sn) in an amount of about 0 to about 0.05 wt %, about 0.001 to about 0.005 wt %, about 0.001 to about 0.01 wt %, about 0.005 to about 0.01 wt %, about 0.005 to about 0.04 wt %, about 0.01 to about 0.03 wt %, or about 0.01 to about 0.02 wt %.

The zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include any suitable beta (β) stabilizers as described elsewhere herein, nonlimiting examples of which include V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Ta, W, Hf, and Re. In some embodiments, for example, the beta (β) stabilizers of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may be selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Nb. And in some embodiments, the beta (β) stabilizers of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may be selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe. In some embodiments, for example, the beta (β) stabilizers of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include at least one selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, at least two selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, at least three selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, or at least four selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe. And in some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include four beta (β) stabilizers selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe. It is understood that the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include a combination of any number of beta (β) stabilizers that is substantially the same as any combination of beta (β) stabilizers suitable for the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys as described elsewhere herein. By way of example only, when the zirconium-rich titanium alloy includes 10 beta (β) stabilizers, any combination of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Ta, W, Hf, and Re (or other known beta (β) stabilizer) may be selected for the alloy composition without limitation.

In some embodiments, the beta (β) stabilizer content of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may be about 1 to about 11 wt %. In some embodiments, for example, the beta (β) stabilizer content may be about 1 to about 10 wt %, about 1 to about 9 wt %, about 1 to about 8 wt %, about 1 to about 7 wt %, about 1 to about 6 wt %, about 1 to about 5 wt %, about 1 to about 4 wt %, about 2 to about 11 wt %, about 2 to about 10 wt %, about 2 to about 9 wt %, about 2 to about 8 wt %, about 2 to about 7 wt %, about 2 to about 6 wt %, about 2 to about 5 wt %, about 2 to about 4 wt %, about 3 to about 11 wt %, about 3 to about 10 wt %, about 3 to about 9 wt %, about 3 to about 8 wt %, about 3 to about 7 wt %, about 3 to about 6 wt %, about 3 to about 5 wt %, about 3 to about 4 wt %, about 4 to about 11 wt %, about 4 to about 10 wt %, about 4 to about 9 wt %, about 4 to about 8 wt %, about 4 to about 7 wt %, about 4 to about 6 wt %, or about 4 to about 5 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges.

The amount of each of the individual beta (β) stabilizers in the zirconium-rich titanium alloy is not particularly limited, and may individually be about 2 wt % or lower, for example, about 1.5 wt % or lower, or about 1 wt % or lower. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of each of the beta (β) stabilizers in the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may individually be about 0.1 to about 2 wt %, about 0.15 to about 2 wt %, about 0.2 to about 2 wt %, about 0.25 to about 2 wt %, about 0.3 to about 2 wt %, about 0.35 to about 2 wt %, about 0.4 to about 2 wt %, about 0.45 to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 to about 2 wt %, about 0.55 to about 2 wt %, about 0.6 to about 2 wt %, about 0.65 to about 2 wt %, about 0.7 to about 2 wt %, about 0.75 to about 2 wt %, about 0.8 to about 2 wt %, about 0.85 to about 2 wt %, about 0.9 to about 2 wt %, about 0.95 to about 2 wt %, about 1 to about 2 wt %, about 1.1 to about 2 wt %, about 1.15 to about 2 wt %, about 1.2 to about 2 wt %, about 1.25 to about 2 wt %, about 1.3 to about 2 wt %, about 1.35 to about 2 wt %, about 1.4 to about 2 wt %, about 1.45 to about 2 wt %, about 1.5 to about 2 wt %, about 1.55 to about 2 wt %, about 1.6 to about 2 wt %, about 1.65 to about 2 wt %, about 1.7 to about 2 wt %, about 1.75 to about 2 wt %, about 1.8 to about 2 wt %, about 1.85 to about 2 wt %, about 1.9 to about 2 wt %, about 1.95 to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.15 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.2 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.35 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.4 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.45 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.55 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.6 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.65 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.7 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.75 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.85 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.9 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.95 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.1 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.15 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.2 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.3 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.35 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.4 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.45 to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.1 to about 1 wt %, about 0.15 to about 1 wt %, about 0.2 to about 1 wt %, about 0.25 to about 1 wt %, about 0.3 to about 1 wt %, about 0.35 to about 1 wt %, about 0.4 to about 1 wt %, about 0.45 to about 1 wt %, about 0.5 to about 1 wt %, about 0.55 to about 1 wt %, about 0.6 to about 1 wt %, about 0.65 to about 1 wt %, about 0.7 to about 1 wt %, about 0.75 to about 1 wt %, about 0.8 to about 1 wt %, about 0.85 to about 1 wt %, about 0.9 to about 1 wt %, or about 0.95 to about 1 wt %. It is also understood that these ranges also include all sub-ranges and other ranges beginning and/or ending with any point within these ranges, for example, while ranges of about 0.25 to about 1.5 wt %, about 1.75 to about 2 wt %, and about 1.25 to about 1.5 wt % are disclosed above, ranges of about 0.25 to about 1.25 wt %, or about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt % are also contemplated and included within these ranges. In some embodiments, for example, the amount of each of the beta (β) stabilizers in the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may individually be about 1 wt % or lower, about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt %, or about 0.25 to about 1.25 wt %.

According to some embodiments, however, each beta (β) stabilizer in the in the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may be included in generally the same amount as each other beta (β) stabilizer. But the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is understood that in some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include different beta (β) stabilizers each in different amounts, or some beta (β) stabilizers in similar or generally the same amounts and other beta (β) stabilizers in different amounts.

The beta (β) stabilizers of the zirconium-rich titanium according to some embodiments may substantially exclude (e.g., not include) molybdenum (Mo). For example, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include molybdenum (Mo) in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %. In some embodiments, the beta (β) stabilizers of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %. In some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include molybdenum (Mo) in an amount of about 0 to about 0.05 wt %, about 0.001 to about 0.005 wt %, about 0.001 to about 0.01 wt %, about 0.005 to about 0.01 wt %, about 0.005 to about 0.04 wt %, about 0.01 to about 0.03 wt %, or about 0.01 to about 0.02 wt %. In some embodiments, the beta (β) stabilizers of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include molybdenum (Mo) in an amount of about 0 to about 0.05 wt %, about 0.001 to about 0.005 wt %, about 0.001 to about 0.01 wt %, about 0.005 to about 0.01 wt %, about 0.005 to about 0.04 wt %, about 0.01 to about 0.03 wt %, or about 0.01 to about 0.02 wt %.

The zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include any suitable alpha (α) stabilizers as described elsewhere herein, nonlimiting examples of which include Al, O, N and C. For example, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include four alpha (α) stabilizers, three alpha (α) stabilizers, two alpha (α) stabilizers, or one alpha (α) stabilizer. In some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy includes at least Al as an alpha (α) stabilizer. And in some embodiments, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include Al as the main alpha (α) stabilizer, i.e., Al is either the only alpha (α) stabilizer, or is the alpha (α) stabilizer provided in the largest nominal amount among all included alpha (α) stabilizers. As discussed herein with respect to the beta (β) stabilizers, it is also understood that the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may include a combination of any number of alpha (α) stabilizers that is substantially the same as any combination of alpha (α) stabilizers suitable for the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys as described elsewhere herein.

The alpha (α) stabilizer content of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy may substantially the same as any alpha (α) stabilizer content suitable for the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys as described elsewhere herein. For example, the amount of each of the individual alpha (α) stabilizers may be selected based on the desired performance or alloy property (e.g., strength, elongation, etc.) of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the zirconium-rich titanium alloy has a composition including Zr in an amount of about 1.5 to about 6 wt %, (e.g., about 1.5 wt %, about 2 wt %, about 3 wt %, about 4 wt %, about 5 wt %, or about 6 wt %), Al in an amount of about 5 to about 8 wt %, (e.g., about 5 wt %, about 6 wt %, about 7 wt %, or about 8 wt %), Nb in an amount of 0 wt % or about 1 wt %, and O in an amount of 0 wt % to about 0.2 wt %, (e.g., about 0.05 wt %, about 0.1 wt %, about 0.15 wt %, or about 0.2 wt %). The composition of the zirconium-rich titanium according to some embodiments may substantially exclude (e.g., not include) niobium (Nb) and/or oxygen (O). The composition of the zirconium-rich titanium includes V, Cr, Mn, and Fe each in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %, (e.g., about 0.25 wt %, about 0.5 wt %, about 0.75 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 1.25 wt %, about 1.5 wt %, or about 1.75 wt %), and Ti in a remaining amount of the composition. As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the amount of Ti in the zirconium-rich titanium alloy is represented by 100−[total beta (β) stabilizer wt %]−[total alpha (α) stabilizer wt %]−[total Zr wt %], such that the total wt % of the zirconium-rich titanium alloy is 100 wt %.

The zirconium-rich titanium alloy according to some embodiments, may have a composition selected from the group consisting of: 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, and Fe, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 8 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 7 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 6 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 1.5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 2 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 3 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 4 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 5 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O, and 5 wt % Al, 1 wt % each of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Nb, 6 wt % Zr, 0.05 to 1 wt % O.

As noted above, the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys (e.g., zirconium-rich titanium alloys) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be particularly useful in the manufacture of golf clubs, golf club heads, and/or golf club head striking faces. The golf clubs, golf club heads, and striking faces in which the alloys are employed are not particularly limited, and the alloys may generally be used to form all or a portion of any of these components. In some embodiments, for example, as shown generally in FIG. 2, a golf club head 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a striking face portion 102 and an aft body portion 104. In some embodiments, the striking face portion 102 may include a face insert 103. The striking face portion 102 may generally refer to the frontal portion of the golf club head 100 having a substantially flat surface (bulge and roll may create slight curvature that is considered to be substantially flat for the purpose of this discussion), whereas the aft body portion 104 refers to any portion of the golf club head 100 rearward of the striking face portion 102. As used herein, the term “substantially” is used as a term of approximation and not a term of degree, and is intended to account for the inherent variations in certain calculations, measurements or observations. For example, as mentioned above, the term “substantially flat surface” refers to a surface that generally appears flat to the naked eye, but that may have certain bulge and roll that may create some slight curvature. It is understood, also, that although FIG. 2 generally shows a golf club of the driver or wood type, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the golf club according to embodiments of the present disclosure may take any shape or form, including but not limited to drivers or woods (including fairway woods and drivers), irons, hybrids, wedges, and putters.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, any part, or all, of the golf club head 100 may be constructed of one of the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys (e.g., zirconium-rich titanium alloys) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, for example, the entire golf club head 100 may be constructed of the same AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy. However, in some embodiments, only the striking face portion 102, or the striking face insert 103 may be constructed of the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy(s) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, while the aft body portion 104 may be constructed of any other suitable material. And in some embodiments, each portion of the club head 100 may be constructed of an AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy according to embodiments of the present disclosure, but the different parts of the club head 100 may be constructed of different types of the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys. For example, in some embodiments, the striking face portion 102 or striking face insert 103 may be constructed of a first AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy according to embodiments of the present disclosure while the aft body portion 104 may be constructed of a second AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy that is different from the first alloy.

When the golf club head 100, striking face portion 102, or striking face insert 103 are constructed of one or more of the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys (e.g., zirconium-rich titanium alloys) described herein, the titanium alloys impart the mechanical properties discussed above to the golf club head or striking face portion (or insert). Accordingly, golf club heads constructed of the titanium alloys described herein may have the same UTS, YS, Young's Modulus, elongation, Poisson's ratio, PEL and Rockwell hardness properties as discussed above in connection with the alloys themselves, and the description of those properties applies with equal force and disclosure to the golf club head, striking face portion and striking face insert, and this will not be repeated here.

While certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and equivalents thereof, as defined in the claims that follow this description. For example, although certain components may have been described in the singular, i.e., “a” neutral element, “an” alpha (α) stabilizer and the like, one or more of these components in any combination can be used according to the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated to the contrary.

Also, although certain embodiments have been described as “comprising” or “including” the specified components, embodiments “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” the listed components are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, while embodiments of the AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloys comprise four or more beta (β) stabilizers, one or more alpha (α) stabilizers, and one or more neutral elements, or comprise four or more beta (β) stabilizers, and one or more alpha (α) stabilizers embodiments consisting essentially of or consisting of these components are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, an AB (or “α-β”) titanium alloy may consist essentially of four or more beta (β) stabilizers, one or more alpha (α) stabilizers and one or more neutral elements, or comprise four or more beta (β) stabilizers, and one or more alpha (α) stabilizers. In this context, “consisting essentially of” means that any additional components or elements will not materially affect the chemical, physical or mechanical properties of the alloy, including, e.g., strength or elongation.

As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word “about,” even if the term does not expressly appear. Further, the word “about” is used as a term of approximation, and not as a term of degree, and reflects the penumbra of variation associated with measurement, significant figures, and interchangeability, all as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Plural encompasses singular and vice versa. When ranges are given, any endpoints of those ranges and/or numbers within those ranges can be combined within the scope of the present disclosure. The terms “including” and like terms mean “including but not limited to,” unless specified to the contrary.

Additionally, as discussed above, all weight percentages of elements within the alloys described herein are nominal weight percentages, unless expressly stated to the contrary. This includes the weight percentages listed in the Examples.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters set forth herein may be approximations, numerical values set forth in the Examples are reported as precisely as is practical. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard variation found in their respective testing measurements. The word “comprising” and variations thereof as used in this description and in the claims do not limit the disclosure to exclude any variants or additions.

Claims

1. A golf club head, comprising: a striking face portion comprising a titanium alloy, andan aft body portion,the titanium alloy comprising: one or more alpha (α) stabilizers;four or more beta (β) stabilizers, wherein each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers is independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %; anda neutral element comprising zirconium.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein zirconium is present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 1.5 to about 6 wt %.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein zirconium is present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 4 to about 6 wt %.

4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the titanium alloy comprises Sn present in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %.

5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the four or more beta (β) stabilizers comprise at least two selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe.

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers is independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.75 to about 1.25 wt %.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the four or more beta (β) stabilizers comprise Mo present in the titanium alloy in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %.

8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the one or more alpha (α) stabilizers comprises Al.

9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a composition of the titanium alloy comprises: Zr in an amount of 1.5 wt %, 2 wt %, 3 wt %, 4 wt %, 5 wt %, or 6 wt %;Al in an amount of 5 wt %, 6 wt %, 7 wt %, or 8 wt %;Nb in an amount of 0 wt % or 1 wt %; andO in an amount of 0 wt %, 0.05 wt %, 0.1 wt %, 0.15 wt %, or 0.2 wt %,the composition further comprising V, Cr, Mn, and Fe each in an amount of 1 wt % and Ti in a remaining amount of the composition.

10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the striking face portion comprises a striking face insert, and the striking face insert comprises the titanium alloy.

11. A titanium alloy, comprising: one or more alpha (α) stabilizers;four or more beta (β) stabilizers, wherein each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers is independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.25 to about 1.75 wt %; anda neutral element comprising zirconium.

12. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein zirconium is present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 1.5 to about 6 wt %.

13. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein zirconium is present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 4 to about 6 wt %.

14. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein the titanium alloy comprises Sn present in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %.

15. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein the four or more beta (β) stabilizers comprise at least two selected from among V, Cr, Mn, and Fe.

16. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers is independently present in the titanium alloy in an amount of about 0.75 to about 1.25 wt %.

17. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein the four or more beta (β) stabilizers comprise Mo present in the titanium alloy in an amount of at most about 0.05 wt %.

18. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein each of the four or more beta (β) stabilizers is present in the titanium alloy in generally the same amount.

19. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein the one or more alpha (α) stabilizers comprises Al.

20. The titanium alloy of claim 11, wherein a composition of the titanium alloy comprises: Zr in an amount of 1.5 wt %, 2 wt %, 3 wt %, 4 wt %, 5 wt %, or 6 wt %;Al in an amount of 5 wt %, 6 wt %, 7 wt %, or 8 wt %;Nb in an amount of 0 wt % or 1 wt %; andO in an amount of 0 wt %, 0.05 wt %, 0.1 wt %, 0.15 wt %, or 0.2 wt %,the composition further comprising V, Cr, Mn, and Fe each in an amount of 1 wt % and Ti in a remaining amount of the composition.