Effects of C on tribological properties and microstructure of Ti-implanted H-13 steel

Ti ion implantation into steels under controlled conditions has been demonstrated to be very effective for decreasing both the friction and wear rate of various steels. In the present work, the effects of C incorporated into Ti-ion-implanted H-13 steel (both with and without additional C ion implantation) on the tribological properties and microstructure of implanted layers have been investigated. Metallurgically polished H-13 steel specimens were prepared for C, Ti and (Ti + C) ion implantations which were performed using the MEVVA source ion implantation system at room temperature. Ball-on-disk sliding tests, scanning electron microscopy and profilometry of the wear track have been used to examine the tribological behaviour of implanted H-13 steel. Auger electron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were also employed to characterize the composition and microstructure of the ion-implanted layers of H-13 steel. From the results, we conclude that sufficient concentrations of both Ti and C are essential to produce the amorphous ternary surface alloy and significant reductions in both the friction coefficient and wear rate of implanted H-13 steel.