Effects of Ti and TiC ceramic powder on laser-cladded Ti–6Al–4V in situ intermetallic composite

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 263; pp. 591 - 596
• Main Authors: Ochonogor, O.F., Meacock, C., Abdulwahab, M., Pityana, S., Popoola, A.P.I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.12.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Interstitial carbides; Metal matrix composites; Physics; Ti6Al4V; Titanium carbide; Metal matrix composites; Interstitial carbides; Ti6Al4V; Titanium carbide; Composite materials; Intermetallic compounds; In situ; Interstitials
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2012.09.114

► The wear resistance of the laser clad surfaces was enhanced significantly with fifteen-folds wear rate reduction. ► Micro-hardness of the clad zones indicated a significant improvement of over two-folds greater than the substrate. ► Microstructures showed fine crystal grains distribution of ceramic particles that formed interstitial carbides in the titanium matrix composites. Titanium metal matrix composite (MMCs) was developed on titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) substrate with the aim of improving the hardness and wear properties by laser cladding technique using a Rofin Sinar 4kW Nd: YAG laser. Wear investigations were carried out with the aid of three body abrasion tester. The resultant microstructure show homogeneous distribution of TiC particles free from cracks and pores. Multiple track deposited systems with 50% overlap revealed micro-hardness increase from 357.3 HV0.1for the substrate reaching a peak as high as 922.2 HV0.1 for 60%Ti+40%TiC and the least 665.3 HV0.1 for 80%Ti+20%TiC MMCs. The wear resistance of the materials improved significantly, indicating a fifteen-fold wear rate reduction due to the proper distribution of ceramic particles thereby forming interstitial carbides as revealed by the X-ray diffraction spectrum.