Surface Treatment of Commercially Pure Titanium by Using Carbon Powder and Tungsten Inert Gas to Enhance Wear Resistance

The aim of the present study, is to perform a Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) surface alloying of a Commercially Pure Titanium (C.P.Ti) substrate with carbon powder under an atmosphere of pure argon gas. Experiments were carried out to introduce larger amounts of carbon into titanium substrate using tungsten inert gas (TIG) as a heating source. The technique includes forming grooves of different depths on the surface of the titanium; these grooves were then filled with carbon powder and then remelt the surface with a high energy TIG arc at a statistically planned manner (Taguchi Design of Experiment–DOE). This process led to melting part of titanium and consequently, the carbon powder dissolved in the melted pool forming Ti-C alloyed zone. Optical microscope, XRD, and SEM were used to study the microstructure, morphology, and dimensions of the alloyed zones. Also, micro hardness measurements were conducted across the depth of the alloyed zone. Finally, reciprocating wear test were also conducted to study the wear performance of the surface alloyed specimens. In conclusion, it is found that modifying the surface of Commercially Pure Titanium (C.P.Ti) by this method produced a suitable surface layer which has high hardness. This high hardness improved the wear resistance of C.P.Ti and consequently could be used in applications where wear and erosion resistance are required.