弧光等离子体渗氮气氛比例对TC4钛合金表面微观组织和磨损性能的影响

Effect of the Atmosphere Proportion of Arc Plasma Nitriding on the Surface Microstructure and Wear Properties of TC4 Titanium Alloy

  • 摘要: 低温等离子体渗氮技术因其高生产效率、工艺灵活性和环保等优势在金属热处理领域得到广泛应用。针对钛合金表面硬度和耐磨性不足的问题,采用IET弧光离子源辅助装置对TC4钛合金进行渗氮处理,以提升其性能。处理条件为:500 ℃、400 V偏压、1.5 Pa气压;通入三种不同比例混合气体(氮气、氢气和氩气体积比例分别为:4∶0∶1、4∶2∶1和2∶4∶1),持续时间2 h。结果表明,氢气的引入可以增强氮元素在钛合金基体的扩散能力,增强渗氮效果,形成了致密的TiN和Ti2N层,显著提升了钛合金的显微硬度和耐磨性能。此外,在氮氢气体体积比2∶1的条件下,性能最优。因此,低温弧光渗氮技术可以提高TC4钛合金的表面性能,为其提供更广阔的应用前景。

     

    Abstract: The use of low-temperature plasma nitriding technology has become prevalent in metal heat treatment due to its high production efficiency, adaptability in processes, and eco-friendliness. In order to tackle the challenges posed by inadequate surface hardness and wear resistance in titanium alloys, this research utilizes a self-developed nitriding system that incorporates an IET arc ion source, focusing on low-temperature plasma nitriding of the TC4 titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) with the goal of enhancing its properties. The experimental procedures were carried out at 500 °C, with a bias voltage of 400 V applied and a working pressure of 1.5 Pa maintained. Three distinct gas mixtures were employed (the volume ratios of nitrogen, hydrogen, and argon are 4∶0∶1, 4∶2∶1, and 2∶4∶1, respectively), all of which were subjected to a consistent treatment period of two hours. Findings reveal that an appropriate addition of hydrogen can improve the diffusion capacity of nitrogen within the titanium alloy matrix, thus enhancing the nitriding effect and leading to the formation of dense TiN and Ti2N layers. These changes notably increase the microhardness and wear resistance of the titanium alloy. Additionally, optimal wear resistance of the titanium alloy was observed at a nitrogen-hydrogen ratio of 2∶1. Consequently, the low-temperature arc nitriding technology proves capable of enhancing the surface properties of TC4 titanium alloy without modifications to the matrix structure and overall mechanical characteristics, therefore expanding the safe operating limits of TC4 titanium alloy. This also provides a viable process pathway and theoretical foundation for enhancing the surface performance of TC4 titanium alloy at low temperatures in applications such as aerospace and marine engineering, presenting a wider range of prospects for TC4 utilization.

     

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