Influence of Electrolyte Temperature on Morphology and Properties of Composite Anodic Film on Titanium Alloy Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al

Abstract

In this study, we introduced a novel environmentally-friendly electrolyte consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanoparticles and malic acid solution to fabricate composite anodic film on Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy at different electrolyte temperatures. The morphology revealed that the PTFE nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into composite anodic films and embedded preferentially in the pores and cracks. Their performances (wear, corrosion and hydrophobicity) were evaluated via electrochemical tests, ball on disc tests, and a contact angle (CA) meter. Compared to the substrate of titanium alloy Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al, the composite anodic films exhibited the low wear rates, high corrosion resistance and good hydrophobicity. However, the microstructure and morphology of the films were affected by the electrolyte temperature. As a result, their performances were changed greatly as a function of the temperature and the film fabricated at 20 °C exhibited better performances (CA = 131.95, icorr = 6.75 × 10−8 A·cm−2, friction coefficient = 0.14) than those at other electrolyte temperatures. In addition, the corresponding lubrication mechanism of the composite anodic films was discussed.