Characterisation of sugar MMC layers developed in Ti-6AI-4V alloy using combination of SiCp and dilute nitrogen environment

Abstract

Laser gaseous nitriding associated with powder alloying has been developed to modify a Ti-6AI-4V alloy. Under specific conditions, a surface MMC layer over 500 μm was produced in the Ti-6AI-4V alloy. The processed specimen contains complex microstructures in the MMC surface which provide a significant improvement in the surface wear resistance (25 times that of the base alloy). In the present work, the microstructures developed were characterised and the phases identified to provide a better understanding and further improvements to the laser processing. A continuous CO₂ laser was used for the processing and TEM, SEM, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and electron backscattering pattern techniques were used for the characterisation.