In Situ Synthesis of Hard Ceramic Phases and Microstructural Evolution in Ti64 Alloy Induced by TIG Arc Processing
摘要
This study investigates the surface modification of Ti-6Al-4 V (Ti64) alloy through in situ synthesis of boron carbide (B4C) and tungsten carbide (WC) particulates via conventional tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc processing. The objective was to enhance the alloy’s hardness and tribological performance by forming hard ceramic reinforcements. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of boride and carbide phases, with boron and tungsten-rich precipitates uniformly distributed within the modified matrix. Microstructural characterization revealed a refined composite layer comprising nano- to microscale precipitates with cuboidal and rod-like morphologies. FESEM coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) indicated coherent or semi-coherent interfaces between the ceramic phases and the matrix. Vickers microhardness testing demonstrated up to a 134% increase in surface hardness compared to the untreated alloy, with a distinct hardness gradient from the surface to the substrate. Dry sliding wear tests showed significantly improved wear resistance, particularly in B4C-reinforced samples, which exhibited up to 50% and 47.4% reductions in weight loss under 1 and 3 kg loads, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy of worn surfaces revealed abrasive and adhesive wear mechanisms. The significant improvements in mechanical and tribological properties position TIG-processed Ti64 as a promising candidate for high-performance applications including orthopedic implants, aerospace fasteners, automotive wear components, and marine structures where durability, biocompatibility, and surface integrity are critical.