Enabling boosting abrasion resistance of titanium alloy matrix via B₄C particles doping micro arc oxidation coating strategy

Abstract Titanium alloy is recognized as the future metal due to its remarkable advantages, including high strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, there are a series of technical challenges hindering its development, such as poor abrasion resistance. Herein, we propose a direct strategy by combining micro arc oxidation (MAO) technology with B 4 C particles doping that can effectively ameliorate the contact mechanics at the interface and regulate the microporous structure of the MAO coating. Exhilaratingly, compared to the titanium alloy and undoped samples, the modified B 4 C-doped alloy (B0.9) exhibited high hardness of 706.2 HV (increased by 121.9% and 15.8%, respectively) and low friction coefficient of 0.3435 (ameliorated by 40.6% and 39.6%, respectively). Utilizing in x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Image Pro Plus analysis, we found that B0.9 exhibited lower surface porosity and average pore size (8.7% and 3.0 μm, respectively), which are attributed to the regulation of the microporous structure. Specifically, B 4 C particles are successfully incorporated into the MAO coating by mechanical stirring and electrophoresis, filling the surface micropores and resulting in a denser and more uniform coating. This study emphasizes the compatibility between B 4 C doping and MAO technology, which effectively provides guidance for the inadequate abrasion resistance of titanium alloy.