preprints.org > chemistry and materials science > metals, alloys and metallurgy > doi: 10.20944/preprints201812.0326.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 26 December 2018 / Approved: 28 December 2018 / Online: 28 December 2018 (03:57:18 CET)

The Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used in the manufacture of components that should have low density, high corrosion resistance, and fatigue strength. The fatigue strength can be improved by surface modification. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of plasma nitriding on the fatigue behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with a lamellar microstructure (Widmanstätten type). Nitriding was executed at 720 °C for 4 hours in an atmosphere with N₂, Ar and H₂. Samples microstructure characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction analysis, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The average roughness of the specimens was determined, and fatigue tests were executed in a bending-rotating machine with reverse tension cycles (R= -1). X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the matrix phases α and β, and the phases Ɛ-Ti₂N and δ-TiN in the nitrided alloy. A nitrogen diffusion layer was formed between the substrate and the titanium nitrides. Plasma nitriding resulted in an increase in low cycle fatigue strength, whereas at high cycles, both conditions exhibit similar behavior. The fracture surface of the fatigue tested specimens clearly revealed the lamellar microstructure. The fracture mechanism appears to be due to cracking at the interface of α and β phases of the lamellar microstructure.

Ti-6Al-4V alloy; plasma nitriding; fatigue

Chemistry and Materials Science, Metals, Alloys and Metallurgy

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