Micro-tribological Characteristics of Ti6Al4V Alloy Subjected to Shot Blasting Surface Treatment Process

Abstract

Ti6Al4V has remarkable mechanical and physical qualities, but its usage in many applications is constrained by its inferior tribological properties. In this study, Ti6Al4V was shot-blasted with aluminum oxide to enhance the surface hardness and reduce the real area of contact, thereby improving the tribological properties of the metal surface. The data obtained from reciprocating tribometer, optical profilometer, SEM, and EPMA infer considerable improvement in tribological properties and impart information on wear mechanisms attributing to an increase in wear resistance up to 76%. © 2023, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM.