Fabricating method and tribological properties of surface texture with air–liquid-assisted medium for titanium alloy materials

Purpose This study aims to develop and systematically investigate a hybrid surface modification method to improve the tribological properties of titanium alloy surfaces. Design/methodology/approach First, the textured morphology was fabricated in air using laser technology, and then a liquid-assisted treatment was implemented. The morphology and chemical element were measured using a white-light interferometer and an X-ray diffractometer. The tribological performance was investigated using a reciprocating friction tester. Findings The experimental results demonstrated that surface textures produced by this method effectively reduced both oxidation and burr formation. Then, the tribological performance was improved, with reductions of 18.7% and 15% in the friction coefficient and wear depth, respectively. The primary reason is that, as fabricating technology with laser beam, the oxidation and burr problems were formed due to the thermal action. In this case, this phenomenon could be eliminated, to a certain extent, using liquid-assisted method. Then, a more regular textured morphology was obtained, which improved its tribological properties. Originality/value This study provides an innovative fabricating method for surface texture with less oxidation and burr-formation problems.