Effect of laser parameters on the tribological behavior of Ti6Al4V titanium microtextures under lubricated conditions

Surface texturing of metals and alloys has recently been identified as an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of high-performance lubricants with complex formulations. Adding micro-scale textures to one or both sliding surfaces of mechanical components can reduce friction and wear compared to conventional/untextured surfaces. This study investigates the effect of laser textured surfaces on the tribological behavior of titanium Ti6Al4V. Multiple texture types were created by varying the energy density of pulse and scanning speed of the laser. These variations modify the outer layers of the alloy, rising the generation of specific topographies and changing the initial properties by means of microstructural modifications and oxidation processes. The performance of these surfaces was evaluated using a ceramic ball in a ball-on-flat reciprocating tribometer under lubricated conditions. Wettability of the tribological system was examined by measuring the contact angle of the oil used on textured and conventional surfaces. Tribological performance of textured surfaces was found to strongly depend on the laser patterning parameters. Replacing conventional surfaces with textured surfaces reduced friction up to 62% and wear up to two orders of magnitude. Wear mechanisms are discussed from optical microscopy and SEM/EDS observation of wear tracks on titanium disks and ceramic balls.