Surface Modification of AL9 Alloy by Electric-Spark Alloying with Materials of the AlN – Ti(Zr)B2 – Ti(Zr)Si2System

Using x-ray phase, electron-probe microanalysis, and scanning electron microscopy, we have established that heterophase coatings based on an aluminum matrix with a quasi-layered finely dispersed structure reinforced with titanium (zirconium) diboride and borosilicide, and aluminum nitride (alloyed with oxygen) are formed by electric-spark alloying of AL9 alloy with A1N – Ti(Zr)B₂ – Ti(Zr)Si₂ composite ceramics. The wear resistance of the A1N – ZrB2-based coating approached that of the ceramic itself with the sliding speed increased to V ≥ l m/sec. The formation of secondary structures of oxide solid solutions on the coating surface during tribooxidation was investigated.