Investigation of duplex-hybrid PIRAC-PVD coated Ti-6A1-4V alloy

Abstract

The applicability of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V has become increasingly widespread in various industries because of its advantageous physical properties including low density, high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. Nevertheless the range of applications of this particular alloy is limited by its poor tribological performance. In this work, the effect of Powder Immersion Reaction Assisted Coating (PIRAC) nitrogen-diffusion as a single surface engineering process or in combination with plasma-assisted physical vapour deposition (PAPVD) treatments on Ti-6Al-4V in order to improve the tribological characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V has been studied. While such processes are mainly intended for the modification of the material surface characteristics, this research has also focused on understanding potential effects on bulk metallography and mechanical properties.