Effect of titanium carbide particles in electrolyte on the properties of microarc oxidation layer on tc4 alloy

Abstract

With the use of titanium carbide (TiC) particles as additives in the electrolyte of the phosphate-silicate system, Microarc Oxidation (MAO) layers were prepared on TC4 alloy. The formation process, phase, morphology, and microhardness of the MAO layers were analyzed, and the friction performance of different layers was tested under dry friction by using stainless steel ball as a counter-body. The results showed that TiC particles participated in the MAO layer formation process and increased the thickness of the layer. The MAO layer prepared in the base electrolyte was mainly composed of rutile and anatase TiO2, and the addition of TiC led to the appearance of the TiC phase in the MAO layer, increasing the compactness of the MAO layer and reducing the number of holes. The MAO layer obtained in the electrolyte with 6 g/L TiC achieved the best corrosion resistance, 1.4 times that of the layer formed in the base electrolyte. When the TiC content is 9 g/L, the average hardness of the MAO layer is 690 HV, which is 65% higher than that of the base oxide layer; the wear volume is 0.81 mm3, and the anti-wear resistance is 1.60 times higher than that of the base MAO layer.