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The subject of the research is the possibility of using laser surface hardening to modify the tribological properties of ADI castings. ADI cast irons are a very progressive material; these cast irons find their application (due to their characteristic properties) in demanding applications. In these applications, the tribology of their surface is an essential parameter. This research focused on the change in tribological properties due to laser hardening of the surface layers. ADI cast iron samples processed at different isothermal holding temperatures were selected for the experiment. This is because these temperatures have a major influence on the initial structure (before laser exposure), which also affects the laser hardening process. To analyze the structural changes, metallographic examinations were performed. The microhardness was also measured on each sample in relation to the distance from the surface. The samples were also subjected to a tribological test (linear reciprocating tribometer) during which the coefficient of friction was recorded. The surface conditions after the tribological experiment were evaluated using an electron microscope. Tribological experiments revealed very different behavior of laser-hardened ADI cast iron surfaces depending on their isothermal holding temperature. At the same time, a homogeneous martensitic layer on the surface (a consequence of the relatively uniform distribution of carbon in the initial ausferritic structure) was achieved by laser, which contributed to a significant increase in hardness and wear resistance. A trend of decreasing friction coefficient as a function of isothermal holding temperature was observed for non-laser-hardened surfaces. This phenomenon supports the theory of a possible martensitic transformation of the high-carbon austenite contained in the structure of ADI castings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surfaces featuring hydrophobic behaviour are generally prepared by a wide spectrum of technologies featuring different process complexity (anodic oxidation, lithography, electrodepositing, etc.). The aim of the work was to use a relatively simple method of magnetron sputtering to prepare metallic hydrophobic surface. Chromium coatings were selected due to their high adhesion to steel and corrosion resistance while conserving certain level of hardness and ductility. The tested coatings included pure Cr and pure Cr with CrN interlayer. The resulting contact angle value of up to 111° has confirmed hydrophobic behaviour. The resulting surface morphology is formed by almost perfectly developed crystals in the shape of hexagonal pyramids providing a suitable surface roughness conditions for hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present work discusses issues of growth and characterization of a thin oxide layer formed on the surface of a titanium-niobium alloy. An oxide layer on the surface of titanium alloys introduces a corrosion resistance and also a bio-compatibility, which is required for a medical application. Although this oxide layer is a result of a spontaneous passivation, for the practical applications it is necessary to control the growth of oxides. In this work the oxide layer was formed on the PVD coating from Ti39Nb alloy which was sputtered on three different base materials: CP Ti grade 2, stainless steel AISI 316LVM and titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V ELI. The oxide layer was created by a thermal oxidation at 600 °C for three different oxidation periods: 1, 4 and 8 hours. After the oxidation process the influence of oxidation characteristics and base materials on the thickness and properties of oxide layer was studied. There was observed a change of color and surface roughness. The oxide layer surface as well as the layer thickness was observed by SEM. The influence of the substrate material under the coating on the oxide layer should be more investigated in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]