CHARACTERIZATION OF TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF OXIDE LAYERS OBTAINED ON TITANIUM IN DIFFERENT FRICTION COUPLES

Abstract

The paper presents the characterization of tribological properties of titanium Grade 2 before and after isothermal oxidation in different friction couples. Examinations of the surface morphology after oxidation at a temperature of 600°C showed the presence of scratches on the surface, which indicated a low thickness of the oxide layers obtained. On the surface oxidized at 700°C, the morphology was characterized by the presence of small clusters of oxides which formed into shapes resembling flakes. In that case, no scratches were found, which testified to a higher thickness of the oxide layer. Tribological tests were conducted for different friction couples (Al2O3, ZrO2, and 100Cr6 balls). It was found that isothermal oxidation is an effective method to improve the resistance of titanium Grade 2 to sliding wear. Oxide layers obtained at temperatures of 600°C and 700°C allowed achieving a considerable reduction of volumetric wear. The best resistance to sliding wear was achieved during a tribological interaction of oxidized titanium Grade 2 with bearing steel 100Cr6. Examination of the morphology of the wear trace surface showed the presence of “corrugation wear” on the non-oxidized surface, regardless of the counter-specimen used. It was found that the presence of oxide layers on the surface of titanium Grade 2 effectively eliminated this adverse phenomenon.