The mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy by plasma-based ion implantation and solution-aging treatment

The age-strengthening 2024 aluminum alloy was modified by a combination of plasma-based ion implantation (PBII) and solution-aging treatments. The depth profiles of the implanted layer were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The structure was studied by glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GXRD). The variation of microhardness with the indenting depth was measured by a nanoindenter. The wear test was carried on with a pin-on-disk wear tester. The results revealed that when the aluminum alloys were implanted with nitrogen at the solution temperature, then quenched in the vacuum chamber followed by an artificial aging treatment for an appropriate time, the amount of AlN precipitates by the combined treatment were more than that of the specimen implanted at ambient temperature. Optimum surface mechanical properties were obtained. The surface hardness was increased and the weight loss in a wear test decreased too.