Effect of SiC nanoparticle concentration on the properties of oxide films formed on Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy

Ordinary and composite oxide films were formed on Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy by anodic oxidation process, in the environmentally friendly electrolytes with different concentrations of SiC nanoparticle. The surface morphology and phase compositions of the oxide film were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectrum techniques, respectively. The results showed that the oxide film was covered with rod-like and rimose protuberances, being mainly composed of anatase, rutile, vanadium pentoxide, aluminum oxide and ferric oxide. The thickness was determined by SEM, increasing with a corresponding increase of SiC nanoparticle concentration. The wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the oxide films were evaluated by the ball-on-disc rotating wear tester and potentiodynamic polarization tests at room temperature, respectively. It was found that composite films possessed enhanced wear resistance and corrosion resistance comparing with the ordinary film. However, the wear resistance of oxide film was not better with higher concentration of SiC nanoparticle. The optimal concentrations of nanoparticle aiming at excellent wear resistance and corrosion resistance were 5 and 10 g/L, respectively. The friction coefficient and wear weight loss were 0.18 and 4.2 mg; the corrosion potential and corrosion current density were 0.665 V and 3.65 × 10^-10 A/cm².