Enhanced wear resistance of titanium surfaces by a new thermal oxidation treatment

The wear behaviour of thermal oxidation (TO)-treated as well as untreated Ti6Al4V alloy has been investigated using an Amsler tribometer in rolling–sliding motion under boundary lubrication conditions. The results show that the TO treatment can significantly enhance the wear resistance of Ti6Al4V alloy. Based on the experimental results, in conjunction with systematic analyses, the wear-reduction mechanisms involved in the TO-treated material are discussed. It was found that the significantly reduced tendency to adhesive wear and the improved wettability, which increases the effectiveness of lubrication, have contributed to the enhanced wear resistance of the TO-treated material.