Evaluation of tribological properties and condition of TI6AL4V titanium alloy surface

Abstract

This paper evaluates the tribological properties and the state of the surface of Ti6Al4V (Grade 5) titanium alloy. Tribological analysis of samples was conducted at room and elevated temperature (150°C). The wear rate was evaluated with a ball-on-disc tribotester, in accordance with ASTM G-133 norm. For the load of 5N, the average friction coefficient µ, measured at room temperature, was equal to 0.52. Comparative values, µ=0.49, were recorded at 150°C. The wear rate for samples subjected to testing at room temperature amounted to 45.11×10-5 mm3N−1M−1, whereas at temperature of 150°C there was a rise to 53.01×10−5 mm3N−1M−1. The wear rate of the counterbody (ball) at room temperature amounted to 18.35×10-5 mm3N−1M−1, while at elevated temperature of 150°C it decreased to 1.79×10-5 mm3N−1M−1. 4. During the analysis of the surface after tribological test, loose particles serving as an abradant and plastic deformations of the surface layers were observed.