Surface treatment of titanium by laser irradiation to improve resistance to dry-sliding friction
Abstract
This experimental study was performed with intent to improve the surface properties of titanium and to minimize the friction on ceramic. Its main object was to strengthen the resistance against wear resulting from dry-sliding contact. Titanium-covered or not, graphite powder was irradiated and superficially melted by means of a pulsed Nd–YAG laser beam. Different irradiations were carried out, changing the distance between irradiated surface and laser beam focal plane. The variations in the dry-sliding friction coefficient were recorded using a pin-on-disc tribometer. An optimum irradiation of graphite-covered titanium generated hard granular titanium carbide and lubricating graphite inclusions which drastically reduced dry friction and wear of the Laser-Melted Zone. In this way, a self-lubricating composite coating has been successfully synthesized on titanium from the laser melting process.
Origin : Files produced by the author(s)