Abstract
To modify the properties of Ti6Al4V alloy, Cu has been added to host an antimicrobial effect in the revised alloy for marine application. The Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) process on the Ti6Al4V alloy and Cu was been investigated for surface modification in order to combat the problem of biofouling in the marine industry. The investigations focused on the microstructural observations, micro-hardness measurements and dry sliding wear in the presence of 3 and 5 weight percents of Cu. The microstructure results showed that Widmanstatten microstructures were formed in all the samples and lose their robustness towards the fusion zone as a result of the transition of heat sink towards the substrate. The microhardness values of Ti6Al4V-3Cu and Ti6Al4V-5Cu alloys were greatly improved to 547±16 VHN0.5 and 519±54 VHN0.5 respectively. Furthermore, the behaviour of wear loss on the surface of the Ti6Al4V-Cu alloys exhibited great improvement as compared with the parent material.
Highlights
Titanium and its alloys are amongst the most important alloys of the advanced materials which are the key to improving performance in the aerospace and terrestrial systems[1,2,3]
The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of the surface and the cross section of the parent material were characterised and the microstructures are shown in Figures 3 a-b
The surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy was achieved through the addition of 3 wt% and 5 wt% of Cu through laser metal deposition process
Summary
Titanium and its alloys are amongst the most important alloys of the advanced materials which are the key to improving performance in the aerospace and terrestrial systems[1,2,3]. The α-stabilizers such as Aluminium which impact solid solution strengthening to titanium; the β-stabilizers such as copper, chromium, vanadium, iron, niobium, molybdenum and manganese They serve to introduce the β-phase in the α-phase microstructural counterpart; and the neutral additions such as tin and zirconium contribute towards solid solution strengthening[8]. According to the structural alloy hand book, most of these alloys have found restricted use in the mechanical engineering applications due to their poor abrasive wear resistance, high coefficient of friction and the fretting characteristics. These anomalies behaviour of titanium alloys could be enhanced and modified by treating the surfaces with coatings[9]. Titanium nitride has been coated on copper and brass substrates
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
