Improving the performance properties of titanium alloy VT6 after ion implantation with copper and aluminum ions

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study the processes occurring on the surface of VT6 titanium alloy samples when implanting with copper and aluminum ions. Elemental composition, structural-phase state, mechanical and tribological properties of VT6 titanium alloy surface layers modified by aluminum and copper ions was being researched. As can be seen from the undertaken studies, the mode of high-intensity ion-implantation process makes it possible to obtain ion doped surface layers of VT6 alloy containing finely dispersed intermetallic phases and a solid solution of aluminum and copper in titanium of a composition varying in depth. The thickness of the ion-doped layer, the average grain size of the intermetallic phases and their conglomerates increases with the increase in implantation dose while aluminum implantation is in progress. It has been shown that the implantation of aluminum and copper ions into VT6 alloy leads to a considerable increase in its microhardness and wearability. Based on the research results, a conclusion on the positive effect of a structural-phase state of ion-doped titanium layers on their mechanical and tribological properties of VT6 titanium alloy has been drawn.