Microstructure and Friction and Wear Properties of Zr-Alloyed Layer on TC4 Titanium Alloy Surface

Zr-alloyed layer was prepared on TC4 titanium alloy surface by using the double glow plasma alloying technique. The microstructure, phase component and friction and wear properties of the layer were studied, and the friction and wear properties of Zr-alloyed layer were compared with that of TC4 titanium alloy substrate. The results show that the thickness of Zr-alloyed layer on TC4 titaniuim alloy was about 10 μm. The Zr-alloyed layer was continuous, uniform and compact, and well combined with the substrate. The content of Zr in Zr-alloyed layer exhibited gradient distribution from the surface to substrate. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate of Zr-alloyed layer were 45.9% and 13.6% of that of TC4 titanium alloy substrate, friction and wear properties of Zr-alloyed layer was higher than that of TC4 titanium alloy substrate.