Plasma Electrolytic Saturation of Titanium and Its Alloys with Light Elements

This review is devoted to analyzing the results of the thermochemical treatment of titanium-alloy surfaces under plasma action in electrolytes. Plasma electrolytic saturation (PES) with light elements is found to have advantages over alternative methods. Electrolyte compositions by means of which titanium is rapidly saturated with nitrogen, carbon, boron, and oxygen are presented. The treatment modes and characteristics of the modified layers, such as the phase and elemental composition, surface roughness and microhardness, friction coefficient, wear rate, and corrosion resistance, are discussed. Attention is paid to the thermophysical and electrochemical aspects of PES, in particular, to the specifics of titanium heating and its anodic dissolution and oxidation.