Investigation of structural and tribological properties of electroless Ni–B coated pure titanium

Abstract

In the present study, the surface of commercial pure (Grade 2) titanium was coated with electroless Ni–B and, then, it was subjected to heat treatment for an hour at 400 ℃. The surface morphology, microstructure and phase identification were analysed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Wear behaviour characterisation was carried out using a ball-on-disc tribometer. The results of the analyses showed that the electroless Ni–B coating had a significantly amorphous structure in the as-deposited condition. It was also determined that the coating structure crystallised after the heat treatment and wear resistance of pure titanium increased after electroless Ni–B coating. Particularly, upon the heat treatment, it was observed that wear resistance and surface hardness of pure titanium considerably increased.