Investigation of W–Mo alloyed layer synthesised by double glow plasma surface metallurgy

Abstract

In the present study, the W–Mo alloyed layer was deposited on surface of Ti–6Al–4V. Microhardness and nanoindentation testing was used to evaluate mechanical properties of the alloyed layer. The tribological behaviour of W–Mo alloyed layer was estimated using a pin on disc tribometer. The friction coefficient and the wear mass were measured. Results showed that the tungsten and molybdenum content in the alloyed layer decreased gradually from surface to substrate, while the microhardness decreased gradually as the depth increased. The W–Mo alloyed layer had a smaller penetration depth and larger elastic modulus than the substrate. The friction coefficient of the W–Mo alloyed layer was lower than the substrate. The wear mass of W–Mo alloyed layer was one‐third lower than that of the substrate. It can be attributed to the higher hardness of the W–Mo alloyed layer surface which limited plastic deformation of the friction surface and decreased wear mass.