Research of properties of A(12)-Al electric spark coatings on VT1-0 titanium alloy

The article investigates the kinetics of mass transfer of the electrode material AlB12-50 wt.% Al during electrospark alloying (ESA) of the titanium alloy VT1-0, as well as the structure and properties of the resulting coating. The coating was applied using an ALIER-52 installation. The thickness (340 rim), microhardness (4-8 GPa) and wear rate were determined. The coating is multiphase: Ti aluminide, Ti and Al oxides, Ti and TiB2 are found. The wear of the ESA-coated specimens is shown to be much less than that of the uncoated one. A conclusion is made about the possibility of using this electrode material for ESA process.