In a breakthrough that could significantly enhance the durability and performance of maritime components, researchers have developed a novel surface treatment for Ti-6Al-4V alloy, a material widely used in the marine industry. The study, led by WANG Xiaoyi from the School of Rail Transportation at Wuyi University in Guangdong, China, and published in ‘Cailiao gongcheng’ (translated to ‘Materials Engineering’), combines laser texturing with thermal oxidation to create a robust oxide film on the alloy’s surface.
The research team utilized laser processing to create groove-shaped microstructures on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface, followed by a thermal oxidation method to prepare an oxide film. This dual-treatment approach was found to significantly improve the tribological properties—friction and wear resistance—of the alloy under dry sliding conditions.
According to the study, the combined laser-textured and thermal oxidation samples exhibited more stable friction coefficients with less fluctuation compared to samples undergoing single treatments. At a normal load of 3 N, the wear rates of the dual-treated samples decreased by 66% and 68% relative to the single laser-textured and single thermal oxidation samples, respectively. Even at a higher load of 10 N, the wear rate reductions were notable at 27% and 38%.
WANG Xiaoyi explained, “The laser-textured combined with thermal oxidation samples show the disappearance of abrasive wear and a reduction in adhesive wear phenomena. They can simultaneously possess the ability to capture wear debris like a single laser-textured samples and the excellent load-carrying capacity of a single thermal oxidation samples, thereby forming multi-film protective mechanism on the substrate.”
For the maritime sector, these findings are particularly promising. Ti-6Al-4V alloy is commonly used in marine applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, its susceptibility to wear and friction can limit its lifespan and performance in harsh marine environments. The new surface treatment could extend the life of components such as propeller shafts, rudders, and other critical parts, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Moreover, the enhanced wear resistance and friction reduction can lead to more efficient operations. As WANG Xiaoyi noted, “The results indicate that the laser-textured combined with thermal oxidation samples exhibit more stable friction coefficients with less fluctuation compared to samples undergoing single treatments.” This stability can translate to smoother operations and improved fuel efficiency, which are crucial for maritime logistics and transportation.
The study, published in ‘Cailiao gongcheng’, highlights the potential for this dual-treatment approach to revolutionize the maritime industry. By improving the tribological properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the research opens up new opportunities for enhancing the performance and longevity of marine components, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective maritime operations.