High Temperature Oxidation and Wear Resistance of In Situ Synthesized (Ti3Al + TiB)/Ti Composites by Laser Cladding

Abstract

(Ti3Al + TiB)/Ti composites were prepared on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding. The microstructures of the coatings were analyzed; the high temperature wear and oxidation properties of the coatings were investigated and compared with Ti6Al4V. Ti3Al and TiB particles were in situ formed through the reaction between Ti and AlB2. The reinforcements exhibited some crystallographic orientation relationships with α-Ti matrix, and a semi-coherent interface (Ti3Al) or a coherent interface (TiB) was obtained. The weight gain of the coating under each combination of temperature and time condition was 20 to 30 pct of the value of Ti6Al4V under the same experimental parameters. A denser and well-bonded TiO2 + Al2O3 layer was formed, effectively hindering the oxygen diffusion compared with the TiO2 layer on Ti6Al4V. EBSD result showed that the Al2O3 mainly assembled into clusters and located close to the interface while the outer area of the oxidation layer was mainly TiO2. The friction coefficients and wear losses of the coatings were lower than those of the substrates at 300 °C to 750 °C. The oxidation was a crucial factor affecting the wear performance at high temperatures. The protective effect of the TiO2 + Al2O3 layer and the formation of transfer films on the worn surface contributed to the improved wear resistance of the coating.