EN 2003-009:2007

Overview

EN 2003-009:2007 is a European standard established by CEN that defines test methods for determining surface contamination on titanium and titanium alloys, specifically caused by α-stabilizers. This contamination is critically relevant to the aerospace industry due to its impact on the mechanical properties of titanium components used in aerospace applications. The standard outlines two precise methods to identify and quantify contamination, ensuring consistent quality control and safety in aerospace manufacturing.

Key Topics

• Surface Contamination in Titanium Alloys
  Surface contamination occurs when titanium or its alloys are exposed to an environment containing oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon at elevated temperatures. These elements diffuse into the surface, forming a hard and brittle α-stabilized layer, typically less than 0.2 mm thick, which can compromise the material’s structural integrity.

• Test Methods
  EN 2003-009:2007 specifies two primary test methods for detecting α-stabilizer caused contamination:

  • Micrographic Examination (Method A): Involves sampling the titanium product in its delivery condition, preparing a polished micro-section, applying chemical etching, and conducting optical microscopy at magnifications between 100x and 500x. The presence of a white layer or light-colour α-phase indicates contamination.
  • Hardness Testing (Method B): Includes hardness measurements on a polished sample, focused near the surface and mid-thickness, using the Vickers hardness test under a 0.200 kg load. A hardness difference greater than 50 HV0.2 between surface and mid-thickness confirms contamination.

• Sampling and Preparation
  Samples must be taken without introducing additional heat or contamination, maintaining the integrity of the test sample. Preparation involves mechanical polishing without damaging the microstructure, followed by specific etching protocols depending on the method applied.

• Test Reporting
  The standard requires detailed test reports with product identification, testing method, sample preparation, hardness or microscopy data, and any deviations or influences affecting the results. This comprehensive documentation ensures traceability and reproducibility.

Applications

• Aerospace Manufacturing and Quality Control
  This standard provides essential guidelines for aerospace manufacturers to detect and control surface contamination in titanium parts, which is critical for component performance and safety. Ensuring contamination-free surfaces preserves the fatigue resistance and mechanical reliability of titanium alloys used in aircraft engines, fuselage, and structural components.

• Material Certification and Compliance
  EN 2003-009:2007 supports certification processes by providing standardized, reproducible testing methods recognized across Europe and global aerospace markets. Compliance helps meet regulatory requirements and aerospace industry standards.

• Research and Development of Titanium Alloys
  The test methods enable researchers to study contamination effects, optimize processing environments, and develop contamination mitigation strategies, enhancing the performance of new titanium-based materials.

Related Standards

• EN 2002-7: Aerospace series - Metallic materials - Test methods - Part 7: Hardness test - referenced for the Vickers hardness testing protocol used in Method B.
• EN 3114-001: Aerospace series - Microstructure of (α + β) titanium alloy wrought products - Part 001: General requirements - provides definitions and terms related to titanium alloy microstructures, crucial for understanding and applying micrographic examination.
• ASD-STAN standards: Developed by the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe, these standards provide further guidance on aerospace materials testing and quality assurance.

Keywords: EN 2003-009:2007, titanium alloys, surface contamination, α-stabilizer, aerospace standards, micrographic examination, hardness testing, Vickers hardness, titanium surface contamination, aerospace materials testing, CEN standard.