Wear Behavior of Flat and Graded Profile Boron-Implanted Beryllium

Abstract

ABSTRACTPin-on-disk tests were performed for comparative friction and wear behavior on flat and graded profile boron implanted beryllium samples. Peak, intended boron concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 atom percent were investigated. Auger Electron Spectroscopy was used to determine the boron concentration as a function of depth. Preliminary work was performed to study the effects of (1) a low temperature (450°C, 1–1/2 hours) heat treatment of the implanted specimens and (2) a change in the pin material. All of the boron implanted beryllium samples showed significant improvement versus unimplanted beryllium and an anodized beryllium surface. Graded samples showed comparable friction coefficients but inferior wear resistance with respect to the flat profile samples.