Microstructure and properties of hard layers formed by duplex surface treatment containing nickel and phosphorus on a titanium-base alloy

Microstructure and chemical composition of the hard Ni-P-Ti layer formed on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy after duplex surface treatment were investigated by light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and analytical/high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The investigation revealed a clear correlation between the micro/nanostructure of the multiphase layer with its micro-mechanical and tribological properties.