Titanium alloys are widely used in aerospace, military, and civilian industries due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, good high-temperature performance, and biocompatibility. However, titanium alloys' relatively low surface hardness and insufficient wear resistance limit their application in certain environments. To improve these properties, researchers have developed a variety of surface treatment technologies to enhance the surface properties of titanium alloys.
1. Surface Oxidation Treatment
This treatment enhances the lubricity of the titanium alloy surface by forming an oxide film, reducing adhesion during the drawing process.
2. Coating Treatment
Graphite Emulsion Coating
Applying graphite emulsion before hot drawing not only provides lubrication but also protects the billet surface from oxidation. Graphite emulsion requirements include a graphite content of 20%-25%, a particle size of 1-3 μm, and uniform adhesion to the billet surface. - Salt Lime Coating
A specially formulated salt lime lubricant layer is used, such as a mixture of 12% Na₂SO₄, 12% CaO, 0.3% Na₃PO₄, 0.2% NaCl, and the balance water, supplemented with a solid powdered lubricant consisting of 75% soap powder and 25% sulfur powder.
- Fluorophosphate Treatment
After physically cleaning the metal blank surface, the surface is dipped in a solution to form a modified coating, which is then coated with a solid lubricant to achieve a lubricating effect with low friction and high wear resistance.
3. Metallization
A metal coating, such as copper, chromium, nickel, or tin, is applied to the titanium alloy surface to reduce direct metal contact during the drawing process, thereby reducing adhesion.
4. Boration
Titanium alloy wire is immersed in a mixed solution containing KFB₄, BaCl₂, and NH₄NO₃, heated to boiling, and then immersed. After removal, washing, and drying, a fluoroborate layer is formed on the wire surface. During cold heading, a layer of aluminum disulfide is also applied to the wire surface as a lubricant. 5. Chemical Conversion Treatment
Chemical conversion treatment forms a dense chemical conversion film on the titanium alloy surface. This film acts as a lubricating coating, absorbing lubricants and ensuring a smooth surface after multiple drawing passes, without adhesion or slip marks.
6. Lubricant Selection
Select a suitable lubricant, such as industrial soap powder, graphite emulsion, or a mixture of soap powder and other materials. The lubricant should exhibit good wettability and thermal stability with the coating.
7. Laser Surface Treatment
Laser treatment technologies, including laser cladding, laser surface alloying, and laser surface quenching, can improve wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and hardness by modifying the microstructure of the surface layer. The advantage of laser treatment is that it can significantly improve surface properties without altering the properties of the titanium alloy substrate.
8. Micro-arc Oxidation
This technique involves in-situ growth of a ceramic film on the surface of a titanium alloy, creating a ceramic film with excellent corrosion and wear resistance. Micro-arc oxidation technology is environmentally friendly and consistent with sustainable development strategies. 9. Ion Implantation
By implanting elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon into the surface of a titanium alloy, the surface hardness and wear resistance can be improved. The ion implantation layer, typically at the nanometer level, can significantly improve the surface properties of the titanium alloy.
10. Thermal Diffusion
By diffusing alloying elements into the titanium alloy surface at high temperatures, a layer is formed, thereby increasing the surface hardness and wear resistance.
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