Wear behavior of irregular shape Ti6Al4V powder reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sintering behavior, microstructural evolution, and the effect on wear resistance of carbon nanotubes (CNT) with the addition of a mechanical alloy (Ti6Al4V) and sintered irregular Ti64 powder. The mechanical alloy powders utilized in this study were produced through the process of CIP (Cold Isostatic Press) in order to produce samples by compress on under various pressures within a 300 MPa floating molded press. The samples were sintered at a high vacuum (10-5 mbar) for 60 minutes at a temperature of 1275 degrees C. After sintering, the materials were characterized using an optic microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) to determine whether the materials had wear resistance, density measurement, etc. The Carbon Nanotube wear and friction behavior were investigated under various conditions using a pin wear tester on a disc followed by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the density, metallographic properties and hardness of Ti64 samples supplemented with different CNT ratios as a function of sintering temperature. Theoretical density and micro-hardness of mechanical alloyed and sintered irregular Ti64 powders changed with the additions to CNT under increased sintering temperatures.