Effect of Solid Carburization on the Tribological Behaviors of Ti13Nb13Zr Alloy

Abstract

Due to its high mechanical strength, exceptional biocompatibility, low elastic modulus, and superior corrosion resistance, Ti13Nb13Zr alloy is one of the potential candidates for implanted joints. However, the poor tribological property of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy has greatly limited its wide usage in artificial joints. The elevated temperature solid carburizing technology was used to improve tribological property of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy. It was found that the surface hardness of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy was increased to 812 HV after the carburization at 1523 K due to the formation of titanium carbide on the surface. With the increase in experimental temperature, the thickness of the carburized layer increased to 120 μm. In addition, the wear rate of Ti13Nb13Zr alloy decreased by 63.9% under serum lubrication condition after the carburization at 1473 K due to the formation of hard TiC on the surface of Ti13Nb13Zr.