Investigation on tribo-layers and their function of a titanium alloy during dry sliding

A double-sliding test was performed in a titanium alloy; the tribo-layers and their function were investigated. The tribo-oxide layers of titanium alloy were proved to possess the protective function. Tribo-layers as mechanically mixed layers were always noticed to form on the titanium alloy; their composition, phase and status changed with sliding conditions. Tribo-layers of the titanium alloy were classified into no-oxide tribo-layer and tribo-oxide layer. It was not tribo-oxide layer, but no-oxide layer that caused poor wear resistance of the titanium alloy. The wear performance of titanium alloys was suggested to be improved by controlling the formation of tribo-oxide layers.