Surface modification of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy by thermal oxidation

In this study, the effect of thermal oxidation on the dry sliding wear resistance of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been examined. Oxidation has introduced hard surface layers composed of TiO2 and oxygen diffusion zone beneath it. Hardness survey conducted under a load of 10 g with a Vickers pyramid indenter revealed that surface hardness increased from 450 to 1300 HV0,01 upon oxidation at 600 °C for 60 h, which was accompanied by significant improvement in wear resistance. Thus, the dry sliding wear rate of thermally oxidised Ti-6Al-4V alloy was almost negligible when compared to the as-received condition.