Abstract—The dry sliding wear behavior of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy sliding against itself and AISI M2 steel was investigated at different sliding velocities (between 0.2 and 0.7 m/s) and applied loads (between 30 and 200 N). Two wear mechanisms were identified, irrespective of the counter face and applied load oxidation wear at the lowest sliding velocities 0.2-0.7 m/s. Wear rate was higher against the AISI M2 at the lowest sliding velocities, and it continuously decreased as sliding velocity was increased. On the other hand, as the sliding velocity was increased it first decreased, experienced a minimum and then became very severe in the case of sliding against the Ti-6Al- 4V alloy. The friction-stir processing (FSP) method was also employed to the surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V alloy applying different processing parameters. The defect-free friction-stir processed surface layers with ~1.5 mm thickness, with final micro structures of β-regions with acicular-α and GB-α, or Martensite- phase, were obtainable. At the lowest sliding velocities, the AISI M2 counterface exerted an abrasive effect on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, thus accelerating its oxidative wear. At the highest sliding velocities, metallic delamination which developed through the formation of a mechanically mixed layer (MML) on the surface was the controlling wear mechanism and the thermal effects connected with the frictional heating became of primary importance.

Index Terms—Ti alloys, Sliding wear, Oxidative wear, Delamination wear, Mechanically mixed Layer, Friction-stir processing, β-regions, Wear performance, Surface modification

Cite: Aadarsh Mishra, "Dry Sliding Wear of Ti-6Al-4V Alloys," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 445-450, July 2014.