Effects of a high-frequency low-pressure plasma on the properties of titanium alloys

In principle it is desirable to apply high-frequency (HF) plasmaprocessing to harden metal surfaces, as this substantially increases the microhardness while at the same time reducing the roughness, however there is virtually no discussion in the literature of hardening titanium alloys by HF plasma working. The authors define here the optimum conditions for HF plasma treatment of titanium alloys and relate the basic parameters of the HF treatment to the specimen characteristics. They determine specimen size, microhardness, roughness, and hardened-layer depth, as well as basic functional parameters: fatigue characteristics (fatigue limit and working life), residual stresses, etc. Specimens of the titanium alloys VT1, VT6, VT8 and VT9 are used.