Surface hardening of titanium alloys in a thermal-autoignition regime

Conclusions

• 1. Treatment of titanium alloys in a thermal-autoignition regime contributes to their hardening.

• 2. The basic phase components of the hardened layers are titanium monoboride TiB and a solid solution of boron and magnesium in α-titanium with inclusions of intermetallide phases (Al₂Mg₃, TiAl₃, etc.).

• 3. The propesed method of hardening contributes to a significant increase in the wear resistance of titanium alloys under dry friction. Residual compressive stresses are formed in the hardened layer. In this case, the corrosion resistance of the titanium in a 3% NaCl solution is lower than that of the unhardened metal.

• 4. The thermal-autoignition regime, which has a shorter duration, is recommended for use in lieu of traditional methods of titanium casehardening (nitriding, carburizing, etc.).