Wear behavior of oxidized Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb (at. %), Ti-6Al-4V and Cp-Ti under dry and lubricated conditions

Abstract

Gamma titanium aluminide (gamma-TiAl) is a titanium alloy which contains no vanadium and appears to have potential for biomedical applications such as joint prostheses. The tribomechanical properties of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb (at. %) (gamma-TiAl) subjected to oxidation in air at 500°C and 800°C were determined by standard wear tests using a hardened stainless steel (SS) pin in a linearly reciprocating mode under both dry and lubricated (Ringer’s solution) media. Similar properties for CP-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V were measured for comparison.  The lowest mean mass loss was obtained for oxidized gamma-TiAl alloy indicating excellent wear resistance. The dominant wear mechanism on all the Ti alloy samples was abrasion.  The oxidation temperature had a minimal effect on the wear of gamma-TiAl but was significant for the other two alloys.