THERMAL OXIDATION OF Ti6Al4V ALLOY WITH ENHANCED WEAR AND CORROSION RESISTANCE FOR OIL AND GAS APPLICATION: EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE

Abstract

Thermal oxidation (TO) treatments were performed at 873 K, 898 K, 923 K, 948 K, 973 K, 998 K and 1023 K for 10 h in air to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of Ti 6 Al 4 V alloy. The effect of TO temperature on microstructural characterizations and surface properties of the obtained TO layers were investigated. The results showed that TO layers with various thickness values were formed on Ti 6 Al 4 V alloy under different temperatures. The thickness of the TO layers increased with the increasing of TO temperature. TO layer that was obtained at 973 K suggested the highest surface hardness and the best wear resistance. TO layer that was realized at 948 K exhibited superior corrosion resistance to other TO layers. TO treatment could be considered as an effective method for preventing wear and corrosion of Ti 6 Al 4 V alloy.