Mechanical and electrochemical properties of laser surface nitrided Ti–6Al–4V

The present study concerns laser surface nitriding of Ti–6Al–4V. The microstructure of the surface nitrided Ti–6Al–4V consisted of TiN dendrites distributed in alpha Ti matrix. The microhardness of the surface was improved to 1142 VHN as compared to the 260 VHN of substrate. The bulk modulus of the surface was increased to 177 GPA as compared to the 114 GPA of the substrate. The pitting corrosion resistance and wettability were significantly improved against simulated body fluid.