Abstract
The metal vapour vacuum arc ion source is introduced and its more important features and system characteristics are described. Specific reference is made to applications in the field of metallurgical surface treatment by metal ion implantation and some recent developments are reviewed. The effects of aluminium ion implantation (doses up to 1·3 × 1017 ions/cm2) onthe sliding wear properties of Ti-6Al-4 V forms the emphasis of the ensuing investigation. Damage induced in sliding wear tests was reduced by about 50% after aluminium implantation, owing to a higher surface hardness. Several techniques of surface analysis including glancing angle X-ray diffraction and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy indicated that subsurface precipitates were primarily responsible for the observed wear mechanism. The strengthening of subsurface material delayed the onset of superficial plastic deformation and resulted in enhanced tribological properties.
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