High-temperature galling characteristics of ti-6AL-4V with and without surface treatments

Galling is a severe form of surface damage in metals and alloys that typically arises under relatively high normal force and low sliding speed and in the absence of effective lubrication. It can lead to macroscopic surface roughening and seizure. The occurrence of galling can be especially problematic in high-temperature applications like diesel engine exhaust gas recirculation system components and adjustable turbocharger vanes, because suitable lubricants may not be available, moisture desorption promotes increased adhesion, and the yield strength of metals decreases with temperature. Oxidation can counteract these effects to some extent by forming lubricative oxide films. Two methods to improve the galling resistance of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V were investigated: (a) applying an oxygen diffusion treatment and (b) creating a metal-matrix composite with TiB2 using a high-intensity infrared heating source. A new oscillating three-pin-on-flat, high-temperature test method was developed and used to characterize galling behavior relative to a cobalt-based alloy (Stellite 6B, HP Alloys, Windfall, IN). The magnitude of the oscillating torque, the surface roughness, and observations of surface damage were used as measures of galling resistance. Due to the formation of lubricative oxide films, the galling resistance of the Ti alloy at 485°C, even nontreated, was considerably better than it was at room temperature. The infrared (IR)-formed composite displayed reduced surface damage and lower torque than the substrate titanium alloy.