Investigation of the mechanical properties of Titanium alloy samples subjected to complex treatment

   Purpose. Investigation of the mechanical properties of Titanium alloy samples subjected to complex treatment, including thermocyclic treatment, low-temperature ion nitriding and electric spark alloying.

   Methods. A rod made of Titanium deformable alloy of VT20 grade was used as an object of hardening. The thermocyclic processing of the rod was carried out at the IMASH 20-78 installation. Ionic low-temperature nitriding was performed at the ION installation. Electric spark doping of the sample surface was performed on the UR-121 electric spark doping unit. The microhardness of the samples was studied using an Instron instrument. The wear resistance of the samples was studied using a Tribometer friction machine.

   Results. It can be seen from the data obtained that the microhardness of the hardened samples of titanium deformable alloy grade VT20 increased 1.1 times after thermal cycling, 1.24 times after thermal cycling and nitriding, and 2.33 times after thermal cycling, nitriding and alloying. This result was facilitated by the coagulation of VT20 alloy grains and the appearance of Titanium nitride TiN phase in its structure. It can be seen from the obtained data that the average value of the coefficient of friction of hardened samples of Titanium deformable alloy grade VT20 decreases by 1.25 times after thermal cycling, by 1.45 times after thermal cycling and nitriding, and by 2 times after thermal cycling, nitriding and alloying. This result was facilitated by the grinding of alloy grains and the coagulation of α-grains.

   Conclusion. In general, the evolution of the mechanical properties of the studied samples was facilitated by the evolution of their structural and phase state, namely, the finer-grained and highly rigid surface structure of the hardened material. The application of the proposed technology will make it possible to obtain titanium alloys, which should surpass their domestic and foreign counterparts in terms of their combined properties.

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