Sliding Behavior of Secondary Phase SiC Embedded Alloyed Layer Doped Ti6Al4V Surfaces Ensuing Electro Discharge Machining

Abstract

The enhancement in process efficiency achievable by additive mixed electrical discharge machining during the processing of metal/alloy surfaces is a known facet. Nonetheless, its influence on the surface characteristics of the material remains scarcely evaluated. Hence, the evolution in tribological behavior of electrical discharge machined Ti6Al4V surfaces become the focal point of the present investigation. The process got assisted by silicon carbide powder (SiC, green, 1–10 μm) dispersed dielectric (de-ionized water) used as an insulator and the discharge medium. A computerized pin-on-disk tribometer (PoDT) was used to quantify the wear behavior of the developed surfaces. The experimentations varied based on distinction in the chosen speed (1.256 ms−1 (V1) and 1.884 ms−1 (V2)) and load (50 N and 100 N) conditions, respectively. The results depict that the tribological characteristics of the base material were enhanced by the surface doped heavily alloyed recast layer with secondary hard phases (SiC). At increased load (100 N), a catastrophic shift in wear mechanism caused by galling, led to the resultant delamination. The aftermath situation of implementing hard abrasives for surface modification is that at severe conditions (load/speed), the spalling of layers can have destructive effects on the mating surfaces.