High Temperature Friction and Wear Properties of Laser Surface Texturing of TC4 Titanium Alloys

The circular micro-pits are prepared on the surface of titanium alloys by the laser surface texturing technology. The tribological properties of micro-textured samples at room and high temperatures are investigated by the HT-1000 high temperature friction and wear tester. The effect of high temperature environment on the wear resistance and wear mechanism of micro-textured samples is discussed by analyzing the friction coefficient, wear amount, three-dimensional profile and morphology of wear marks. The results show that the tribological properties of laser textured samples are better than those of titanium alloys at room temperature and high temperature. Under the high temperature wear conditions, the micro-textured samples show a lower friction coefficient (0. 27), smaller wear amount (1. 26 mg), and narrower and shallower wear scar profiles. The wear mechanism of the micro-textured specimens changes from abrasive wear and mild oxidation wear at room temperature to severe oxidation wear at high temperature. The micro-textured specimens show better wear resistance at high temperature due to the debris collection characteristics of micro-pits and the formation of continuous and compact smooth friction oxide layers on the micro-textured surface under the action of friction loads.