Influence of laser power on improving the wear properties of laser-deposited Ti-6Al-4V+B 4 C Composite

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys have possessed outstanding properties such as high specific strength, good oxidation and corrosion resistance; which have made them extensively suitable for use in the aeronautical, medical, automobile, marine and chemical industries. This paper presents the impact of laser power on the microstructure and the wear properties of titanium matrix Ti-6Al-4V+B 4 C composites. The laser power was varied from 0.8 kW to 2.2 kW while keeping other contributing parameters constant. The microstructural effects were characterized by increasing α-Ti lamella and coarse Widmanstettan structures as the laser power was increased, with the inclusion of 20 wt % of B 4 C. The mechanical action during wear test has created a loop shape with inner and outer radii on the surface of the laser-deposited composites. The wear thickness, depth and COF were taken into account; with the sample C deposited at a laser power of 1.8 kW and scanning speed of 1 m/min having the lowest wear loss of 0.119 mm 3 . The substrate exhibited the shallowest wear depth, and the reason is attributed to the compressive nature of the material. The interlace of B 4 C in the titanium matrix has improved the properties of the laser-formed composites.