Compound formation and abrasion resistance of ion-implanted Ti6Al4V

Depth distributions and compounds of Ti6Al4V ion-implanted with carbon, nitrogen, platinum or gold were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The microhardness and the surface damage occurring during wear tests against polyethylene were determined. The oxide film thickness is reduced by implantation of nitrogen or noble metals. Carbon or nitrogen implantation increases the microhardness, H, due to compound formation. The surface damage owing to removal of oxide particles from the titanium surface is reduced to various extents by different implantation conditions. Wear reduction is ascribed to an increase in microhardness and a decrease in oxide film thickness, D. A criterion to assess the influence of the film thickness on the wear behavior is derived. A characteristic parameter for abrasion resistance (R=H×D−1/2) is suggested.