Effect of cryogenic treatment on the tribological properties of EBMed Ti6Al4V

Ti6Al4 V fabricated using electron beam melting (EBM) were subjected to cryogenic treatment (CT) to enhance their tribological properties, which was investigated by wear tests at rotation speeds of 200 r/min, 400 r/min, 600 r/min, and microstructure observation. The results show that the as-fabricated microstructure consists of lamellar α-phase and β-columnar crystals. However, the lamellar α-phase thickness was refined after CT. As the rotational speed increases, wear becomes more severe, and the wear mechanism develops from abrasive wear and adhesive wear to certain fatigue wear. Nevertheless, the CTed specimens demonstrate a reduced friction coefficient and wear rate at all rotation speeds. This study provides the theoretical basis for improving the tribological properties of Ti6Al4 V.