Microstructure and wear resistance of oxide coatings on Ti–6Al–4V produced by plasma electrolytic oxidation in an inexpensive electrolyte

Plasma electrolyte oxidation of titanium and its alloys is a relatively new generation of surface treatments which have been used to improve their tribological properties. Many researchers have studied the plasma electrolytic oxidation of Ti–6Al–4V alloy. In this study, the authors have tried to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve wear resistant and structurally uniform coatings using this process as simple as possible. The wear resistance of the coatings is comparable to other methods of surface modification on the alloy. All materials used were very familiar, abundant and inexpensive and no costly additives are used. A conventional DC power supply has been applied. The treatment time was very short. The wear resistance of the coatings is very high and comparable to other works. ► The wear resistance of Ti–6Al–4V has been improved via plasma electrolytic oxidation. ► The PEO process was carried out by a simple DC power supply at 380 V which is less than many studies. ► The electrolyte contained some familiar and inexpensive materials. ► The friction coefficient and weight loss have been reduced considerably.