Tribological performance of laser surface nitrided Ti-13Nb-13Zr using diode laser processed under optimum parameters
摘要
This study investigates the effect of laser surface nitriding (LSN) of Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy (using a continuous-wave diode laser under optimum process parameters) on tribological and electrochemical properties for biomedical applications. A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, coupled with Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), was employed to optimize key process parameters (laser power and scan speed) for achieving optimum combinations of melt depth, area fraction of nitride, micro/nanohardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The experimental results demonstrate that laser processing with 1100 W applied power and 3 mm/s scan speed offers a maximum improvement in wear and corrosion resistance. Statistical analysis using ANOVA identified scan speed as the most influential parameter, contributing 51.04% to the overall response variation. The optimal process parameter (1100 W, 3 mm/s) achieved a Grey Relational Grade (GRG), indicating a high level of performance across all measured criteria. The optimized LSN condition effectively improved the mechanical (micro/nanohardness, wear) and corrosion resistance characteristics of Ti-13Nb-13Zr, confirming its potential for bioimplant applications.