Creep behavior and surface characterization of a laser surface nitrided Ti–6Al–4V alloy

Laser surface nitriding of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy is studied with the aim of increasing creep resistance. A detailed characterization of the surface and cross section of the nitrided laser surface was carried out by optical/scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The microstructure of the surface-nitrided Ti–6Al–4V consists of TiN dendrites distributed in a martensitic titanium matrix. Finally, the mechanical properties in terms of microindentation hardness and creep resistance were evaluated. Constant load creep tests were conducted on a standard creep machine at different stress levels at 500 °C, 600 °C and 700 °C. Results indicated that the creep rates of the laser nitrided alloy were lower than those of the untreated material and the microhardness of the surface was improved to 1100 VHN compared with the 340 VHN of the substrate.