Development of Al-Ti-N Composite Coatings on Commercially Pure Ti Surface by Tungsten Inert Gas Process

The present work aims to modify surface properties of pure Ti by development of Ti-Al-N intermetallic composite coatings. In this regard, tungsten inert gas (TIG) cladding process was carried out using Al 1100 as filler rod with Ar and Ar+N2 as shielding gases. Phase and structure of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hardness values and corrosion behavior of the obtained coatings were also compared using Vickers microhardness tester and potentiostat, respectively. The results showed that composite structure containing Al3Ti, Ti3Al2N2 and Ti3Al intermetallic compounds could be formed on the surface of pure Ti. Amounts of brittle phases and welding defects at the titanium-coating interface were least by welding under pure Ar shielding. Despite the increasing amount of structural defects such as porosity and non-uniformity under Ar+N2 shielding, the prepared coatings had higher hardness (more than 100 HV) and corrosion resistance (more than twice) compared with those obtained under Ar shielding.