Tribological performance of Ti6Al4V at elevated temperatures fabricated by electron beam powder bed fusion

Abstract

Electron beam powder bed fusion (EBPBF) is a beneficial processing route to fabricate Ti6Al4V alloy for aerospace applications due to its relatively low lead time and the possibility of topology optimization. The dry sliding wear behavior of EBPBF-Ti6Al4V against steel- and alumina-counterballs from room temperature (RT) to 500 °C was investigated to evaluate the influence of EBPBF processing and microstructure on the wear properties for broadening the application criteria of this lightweight alloy. The wear tests revealed that the wear rate decreased with increasing temperature due to formation of stable oxide glaze layer. This study reveals elevated temperature sliding wear behavior, wear mechanisms and microstructural changes below the wear track of EBPBF Ti6Al4V alloy against steel and alumina counterbodies.