Enhanced Tribological Properties of Ti-6al-4v-Xcu Alloys Fabricated Through Laser Powder Bed Fusion Under Dry Friction Conditions

Abstract

Ti6Al4V alloy finds extensive use in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. However, its surface has low wear resistance, limiting its practical applications. This study developed a novel Ti-6Al-4V-xCu alloy using laser powder bed fusion. The effects of Cu content on the microstructure, microhardness, and friction performance of Ti-6Al-4V-xCu alloys were systematically examined. The findings showed that Ti-6Al-4V-1.5Cu and Ti-6Al-4V-4.5Cu alloys have a microstructure consisting of α´ phase and Cu-rich β phase. While the microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V-7.5Cu includes α´+Cu-rich β phase+nano Ti2Cu. The results demonstrated that increased Cu content in Ti-6Al-4V alloy significantly improves microhardness and tribological performance due to solid solution strengthening, grain refinement, and precipitation strengthening. The Ti-6Al-4V-7.5Cu alloy has been a promising candidate for industrial applications.

Keywords: Ti-6Al-4V-xCu alloy, Laser powder bed fusion, Microstructure, Tribological properties