Microstructure, Growth Kinetics, and Wear and Corrosion Properties of Tic Coatings on Pure Titanium by Carburizing

The carburized layer was fabricated on the surface of TA2 pure titanium by pack carburizing. The effects of carburizing agent, carburizing temperature and carburizing time on the microstructure and thickness of the carburized layer were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental results showed that the carburized layer is composed of TiC phase. After carburized at 1100°C for 15h, the TiC layer has the thickest thickness of 423±0.4 μm. Besides, the growth mechanism and kinetics of the TiC layer were explored. The activation energy of C in the TiC layer during pack carburizing is 87.220 kJ/mol. The wear and corrosion properties of TiC layer were characterized by nanoindentation, wear tests, and electrochemical experiments. The highest hardness of TiC layer is 1036HV, and the hardness decreases gradually from the TiC layer to matrix. The wear type is abrasive wear with the exfoliation of the TiC layer. Finally, the corrosion properties of the carburized sample was also discussed.