Abstract
This work studies a near-surface layer microstructure in Ti-6Al-4V alloy samples subjected to plasma electrolytic polishing (PEP) and subsequent high-energy ion implantation with nitrogen (II). Samples with a conventional coarse-grained (CG) structure with an average α-phase size of 8 μm and an ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure (α-phase size up to 0.35 μm) produced by equal channel angular pressing were used in the studies. Features of phase composition and substructure in the thin surface layers are shown after sequential processing by PEP and II of both substrates with CG and UFG structures. Irrespective of a substrate structure, the so-called “long-range effect” was observed, which manifested itself in enhanced microhardness to a depth of surface layer up to 40 μm, exceeding the penetration distance of an implanted ion he. The effect of a UFG structure on depth and degree of surface hardening after PEP and ion-implantation is discussed.
Highlights
In recent decades, large scientific capacity has been accumulated in the studies on the surface modification of structural materials, including steels and titanium alloys, to improve their service performance
Among the most widely used methods are plasma electrolytic polishing (PEP) and methods associated with the impact of concentrated energy flows, which include ion implantation (II) [1,2,3,4,5]
The work is aimed at studying the effect of a Ti-6Al-4V substrate UFG structure on structural and phase changes in the alloy surface layers after plasma electrolytic polishing and ion implantation with nitrogen
Summary
Large scientific capacity has been accumulated in the studies on the surface modification of structural materials, including steels and titanium alloys, to improve their service performance. Formation of a bulk UFG structure in titanium alloys makes it possible to significantly improve their service and technological properties (strength, fatigue resistance, superplasticity, etc.) [12]. In contrast to conventional CG materials, nucleation and accumulation of new dislocations in ultrafine grains with high dislocation density are hindered [11] This can probably affect the mechanisms of modified layer formation in the surface of UFG titanium alloy and, its service characteristics. The work is aimed at studying the effect of a Ti-6Al-4V substrate UFG structure on structural and phase changes in the alloy surface layers after plasma electrolytic polishing and ion implantation with nitrogen. After implantation the samples were cooled in vacuum for 2–3 min
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