Enhancing the strength of titanium alloys by tin surface network reinforcement

Abstract

Certain properties of titanium alloys such as high strength to weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and good formability make them advantageous for the fabrication of components used in the aerospace, marine, medical and leisure industries. However, their applications in tribological conditions are limited because of their relatively low hardness and poor wear resistance. To improve the hardness and wear resistance, many surface engineering techniques have been explored but because of various limitations, their industrial applications are limited. To enhance both the strength and wear properties simultaneously, researchers have developed titanium-metal-matrix-composites (Ti-MMC). This project will investigate a new method to produce a novel type of Ti-MMC in which a reinforcement network grid of Titanium Nitride (TiN) will be fabricated on the alloy surface by laser surface modification technique. The TiN network grid is metallurgically integrated into the Ti alloy matrix at the surface. TiN has significantly higher hardness, better wear resistance and strength than the monolithic Ti alloy. It is postulated that by varying the TiN grid density and the dimensions of the TiN track, the strength and wear resistance can be tailor-made and enhanced synergistically.Certain properties of titanium alloys such as high strength to weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, biocompatibility and good formability make them advantageous for the fabrication of components used in the aerospace, marine, medical and leisure industries. However, their applications in tribological conditions are limited because of their relatively low hardness and poor wear resistance. To improve the hardness and wear resistance, many surface engineering techniques have been explored but because of various limitations, their industrial applications are limited. To enhance both the strength and wear properties simultaneously, researchers have developed titanium-metal-matrix-composites (Ti-MMC). This project will investigate a new method to produce a novel type of Ti-MMC in which a reinforcement network grid of Titanium Nitride (TiN) will be fabricated on the alloy surface by laser surface modification technique. The TiN network grid is metallurgically integrated into the Ti alloy matrix at the ...