TEM and SFM investigation of nitrided Ti–1Al–1Mn alloy for medical applications

Investigations of the microstructure and mechanical properties of nitrided Ti–1Al–1Mn alloy were performed. The microstructural analyses were carried out using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phase identifications and chemical compositions of the bulk material and the layers were determined by electron diffraction as well as by energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Scanning force microscopy (SFM) was applied for the alloy surface topography analysis. Microhardness and Young’s modulus measurements as well as scratch tests were performed. The investigations revealed a clear correlation between the nitriding process temperature, surface topography, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the alloy investigated.