Friction and wear behavior of modified layer prepared on Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy by magnetron sputtering and plasma nitriding

Abstract

Two kinds nitride modified layers were obtained on Ti-13Nb-13Zr surface to improve the wear property via magnetron sputtering and plasma nitriding techniques, respectively. The structures of the modified layer and the worn surface after sliding test were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The friction and wear behavior of the modified layer against alumina ball was investigated in the absence of lubricant under different loads (1 N and 2 N). The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that nitride layer is mainly composed of TiN and Ti2N, while coating film consists of TiN phase. Friction and wear test indicates that both modified layers can improve the wear resistance compared to untreated Ti-13Nb-13Zr. TiN thin film produces very hard surface, but may be easy to cause coating fracture and delamination under high normal load. However, nitride layer exhibits better wear performance. This is attributed to hard compound layer maintained its integrity with the hardened nitrogen diffusion zone during friction and wear process.