Phase composition and mechanical properties of Cu–Ti alloys synthesized in the surface layer of copper by plasma impact on the Ti/Cu system

Abstract

Cu–Ti alloys synthesized in the surface layer of copper by means of preliminary Ti coating deposition and subsequent treatment by compression plasma flows have been investigated in this work. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersion X-ray microanalysis, Auger electron spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness measurements and tribological tests were used for Cu–Ti alloys characterization. The findings showed that the increase of the energy absorbed by the surface layer during plasma treatment from 57 to 74 J/cm2 per pulse resulted in the growth of the alloyed surface layer thickness from 15 to 19 μm, more homogeneous distribution of Ti in the alloyed layer and the decrease of Ti average concentration from 13.1 to 9.7 at.% in it. The supersaturated solid solution of titanium in copper was the main phase constituent of the alloyed layer after treatment at 74 J/cm2. The synthesized surface of the Cu–Ti alloy possessed enhanced strength and tribological properties.