Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

The state of the art in ion implantation of superelastic NiTi shape memory alloys is analyzed. Various technological applications of the shape memory effect are outlined. The principles and techiques of ion implantation are described. Specific features of its application for modification of surface layers in surface engineering are considered. Key properties of shape memory alloys and problems in utilization of ion implantation to improve the surface properties of shape memory alloys, such as corrosion resistance, friction coefficient, wear resistance, etc. are discussed.

The paper presents new results on investigation of structure and physical-mechanical properties of near surface layers of titanium alloys after (W+, Mo+) ion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing under 550 °C for 2 h. Using back scattering (RBS) of helium ions and protons, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with microanalysis (EDS), (WDS), proton (ion) induced X-ray emission (PIXE), X-ray phase analysis (XRD) with a grazing incidence geometry (0.5° angle), measurements of nanohardness and elastic modulus, friction wear (cylinder-plate), measurements of corrosion resistance in a salt solution, we investigated the VT-6 samples, and determined their fatigue resistance under cyclic loads. Double increase of hardness, decrease of wear and increased fatigue resistance were found, which was related to the formation of small dispersion (nanodimension) nitride, carbonitride, and intermetalloid phases

Implantation, Structure, Ti alloys, Composition, Hardness