Effect of thermal oxidation on corrosion and corrosion–wear behaviour of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy

In this study, comparative investigation of thermal oxidation treatment for Ti–6Al–4V was carried out to determine the optimum oxidation conditions for further evaluation of corrosion–wear performance. Characterization of modified surface layers was made by means of microscopic examinations, hardness measurements and X-ray diffraction analysis. Optimum oxidation condition was determined according to the results of accelerated corrosion tests made in 5 HCl solution The examined Ti–6Al–4V alloy exhibited excellent resistance to corrosion after oxidation at 600°C for 60 h. This oxidation condition achieved 25 times higher wear resistance than the untreated alloy during reciprocating wear test conducted in a 0.9% NaCl solution.