US3840442A - Titanium or titanium alloys having an anodized surface layer and method of forming - Google Patents
Titanium or titanium alloys having an anodized surface layer and method of forming Download PDFInfo
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- US3840442A US3840442A US00242094A US24209472A US3840442A US 3840442 A US3840442 A US 3840442A US 00242094 A US00242094 A US 00242094A US 24209472 A US24209472 A US 24209472A US 3840442 A US3840442 A US 3840442A
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- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 229910001069 Ti alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 11
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 title description 3
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrochloric acid Chemical compound Cl VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000002048 anodisation reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 41
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 19
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 19
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 15
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 13
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 12
- 239000001117 sulphuric acid Substances 0.000 description 11
- 235000011149 sulphuric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 11
- VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N perchloric acid Chemical compound OCl(=O)(=O)=O VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 10
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- GRYLNZFGIOXLOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitric acid Chemical compound O[N+]([O-])=O GRYLNZFGIOXLOG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 229910017604 nitric acid Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 6
- 238000007743 anodising Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium Chemical compound [Zr] QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052726 zirconium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Molybdenum Chemical compound [Mo] ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012153 distilled water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052750 molybdenum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011733 molybdenum Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000011121 sodium hydroxide Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FHKPLLOSJHHKNU-INIZCTEOSA-N [(3S)-3-[8-(1-ethyl-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl)-9-methylpurin-6-yl]oxypyrrolidin-1-yl]-(oxan-4-yl)methanone Chemical compound C(C)N1N=CC(=C1C)C=1N(C2=NC=NC(=C2N=1)O[C@@H]1CN(CC1)C(=O)C1CCOCC1)C FHKPLLOSJHHKNU-INIZCTEOSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JAWMENYCRQKKJY-UHFFFAOYSA-N [3-(2,4,6,7-tetrahydrotriazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-5-ylmethyl)-1-oxa-2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-8-yl]-[2-[[3-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methylamino]pyrimidin-5-yl]methanone Chemical compound N1N=NC=2CN(CCC=21)CC1=NOC2(C1)CCN(CC2)C(=O)C=1C=NC(=NC=1)NCC1=CC(=CC=C1)OC(F)(F)F JAWMENYCRQKKJY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- CJZGTCYPCWQAJB-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium stearate Chemical compound [Ca+2].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O CJZGTCYPCWQAJB-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000008116 calcium stearate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013539 calcium stearate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000010406 cathode material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000008280 chlorinated hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010622 cold drawing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005238 degreasing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006056 electrooxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002045 lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- CWQXQMHSOZUFJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N molybdenum disulfide Chemical compound S=[Mo]=S CWQXQMHSOZUFJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012260 resinous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001771 vacuum deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052720 vanadium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N vanadium Chemical compound [V]#[V] GPPXJZIENCGNKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002966 varnish Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25D11/00—Electrolytic coating by surface reaction, i.e. forming conversion layers
- C25D11/02—Anodisation
- C25D11/26—Anodisation of refractory metals or alloys based thereon
Definitions
- the invention relates to a process for forming a porous, resistant layer of titanium oxide by anodization on titanium and titanium-based alloys, and is distinguished by the fact that anodization is carried out in an aqueous solution containing from 6% to 35% by weight of sulphuric acid and from 0.7% to 8.5% by weight of hydrochloric acid and, optionally, from to 200 g./l. of perchloric acid and/or from 20 to 150 g./l. of nitric acid.
- This invention relates to a process for the formation by electro-chemical oxidation of a thick, porous and mechanically resistant layer of titanium oxide in the surface of articles of titanium or titanium-based alloys.
- a layer of this kind enables the surface of the anodized metal to be effectively lubricated through the penetration of lubricants into the pores of the anodized layer. It increases the resistance to wear and the resistance to corrosion of the surface of the metal.
- Titanium and titanium-based alloys have acquired particular interest in industry and, in particular, in the aero nautical industry, by virtue of their remarkable mechanical properties and their low specific gravity of only 45. Unfortunately, they have a marked tendency towards seizure when in moving contact with conventional materials and, in particular, steels. The provision of a lubricant between the surfaces in contact does not have a lasting effect because the lubricant is not retained by the titanium surface.
- the surface of titanium articles has been subjected to various treatments, including the deposition of metals or ceramic compounds either by electrolysis, by spraying or by vacuum deposition, the diffusion of interstitial atoms, chemical or electrochemical treatments.
- Baths recommended for the anodization of titanium include aqueous solutions of sulphuric acid with a concentration of 150 to 180 g./l., 100 g./l. of H 80 and 800 g./l. of H PO or 50 g./l. of caustic soda (NaOH).
- this layer acts as a barrier layer when the voltage range allowed in industry, i.e. 48 volts at most, is used for reasons of safety. Since this layer is not porous, it does not retain the lubricants.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are elevational views of strain test specimens employed for evaluation of the metals treated in accordance with the practice of this invention.
- the process according to the present invention comprises carrying out anodic oxidation in an aqueous solution containing from 6% to 35% by weight of sulphuric acid and from 0.7% to 8.5% by weight of hydrochloric acid.
- hydrochloric acid has not been included in the composition of baths for anodizing titanium. The reason was undoubtedly the aggressive effects of this acid on the metal. In fact, the degreasing of titanium with chlorinated hydrocarbons has always been prohibited because it gives rise to corrosion under stress, which is attributed to the presence of traces of free hydrochloric acid in the solvent (Geduld Anodizing Titanium, Metal Finishing, April 1967).
- the electrolysis bath used in the process according to the invention can be obtained by adding to one volume of water from 0.05 to 0.3 volumes of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and from 0.03 to 0.3 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B.
- the presence of these two acids is desirable because it improves the homogeneity of the anodization layer and increases the constancy of the voltage at the terminals, during electrolysis at constant current density.
- Suitable cathode materials include titanium, zirconium or an alloy based on one or both of these two metals.
- the temperature of the bath is not critical.
- the optimum temperature of the bath is governed by the type of metal being treated.
- the bath temperature is preferably maintained between 18 and 30 C. for the anodization of pure titanium and between 40 and C. for the anodization of a titanium alloy.
- Steps should be taken to avoid over-rapid application of voltage at the beginning of electrolysis in order to avoid the formation of a barrier layer that would not be attacked by the electrolysis bath.
- the voltage at the terminals is increased at a rate which should not exceed 20 volts per minute up to its final value which, generally, amounts to between 35 and 45 volts. This level is selected to keep the current density, which can amount to between 0.5 and 2 amperes/dmfi, at a constant level.
- the thickness of the oxide layer which is governed by the quantity of current used, can be varied between 1 micron and several tens of microns. In practice, thicknesses between 2 and 15 microns are most suitable, either for protection against corrosion or for lubricant retention.
- the porosity of the oxide layer varies between 20% and 80%.
- the pores are irregular in shape, their section varying between 2 microns and 5 microns.
- the porous layer has the property of becoming more compact under the effect of an externally applied pressure such as arises during friction. For this reason, it insures high resistance to wear of the article being treated.
- the porous oxide layer can be sealed, for example, by varnishes or resins in order to protect the metal against the corrosive etfect of external agents.
- the main advantage of the porous oxide layer is its property of elfectively retaining lubricants. The tendency towards seizure, which was an obstacle to the use of titanium, is thus eliminated.
- EXAMPLE 1 8 mm. and 2 mm. diameter bars of alloy A, in its annealed state, are anodized in an electrolytic bath containing 14% by weight of H 80 and 3.5% by weight of hydrochloric acid, obtained by adding to volumes of water, 1 volume of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and 1 volume of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B.
- the bath is kept at 50 C. and the counter-electrode is made of titanium. Voltage is progressively increased at a rate of 10 volts per minute until a current density of 1 ampere/dm. is obtained, corresponding to a voltage between electrodes of 40 volts. After a total of 15 minutes, the articles are washed with distilled water and dried. They are light green in color and the thickness of the porous anodic layer is 2 microns.
- the treated surfaces are lubricated by the application of a calcium stearate soap containing 10% of molybdenum disulphide, after which they are subjected to cold drawing tests which are continued up to the point of seizure in the die.
- EXAMPLE 2 8 mm. and 2 mm. diameter bars of non-alloyed titanium of commercial grade are treated in an anodizing bath obtained by adding to 10 volumes of water, 1 volume of sulphuric acid of 66 B., 1 volume of nitric acid of 40 B. and 3 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B., Le. a bath containing 12.4% by weight of sulphuric acid, 2.9% by weight of nitric acid and 6% by weight of hydrochloric acid.
- the bath is maintained at C. and the counter-electrode is made of titanium. Voltage is applied at a rate of 15 volts per minute until a current density of 1 ampere/ drn. is obtained, corresponding to a voltage of 48 volts. After a total of 30 minutes, the articles are washed with distilled water and dried. They are ivory in color and the 4 thickness of the anodic layer is 8 microns, with a porosity of around 30%.
- EXAMPLE 3 A polished, 14 mm. diameter cylinder of alloy A was anodized in an electrolytic bath obtained by adding to 10 volumes of water 1.5 volumes of sulphuric acid of 66 B.
- the bath is maintained at 50 C.
- the voltage between electrodes is increased progressively at a rate of 15 volts per minute up to 40 volts which produces a current density of 1 ampere/dm.
- an oxide layer is obtained which has a thickness of 10 microns and a porosity of 70%.
- the porous layer is impregnated with lubricant, as in Example 1.
- the third was coated by spraying to provide a layer of molybdenum 15 microns thick.
- Friction tests on steel were carried out under the following conditions: a shoe of steel with a Rockwell C hardness f0 60 is applied to the cylinder of alloy A turning at 130 r.p.m. The loads applied to the shoe are calculated in such a way that the maximum stress at the shaft-shoe interface is a specific fraction (20%30%-40%50%) of the elastic limit of the alloy, which amounts to 84 kg./ mm.
- anodic layer obtained by the process according to the invention is markedly superior to that obtained by anodization in a sulphuric bath or by phosphatization. Its behavior in the presence of dry lubricant compares favorably with the spraying of molybdenum which, of course, is a much more expensive material.
- EXAMPLE 4 A 14 mm. diameter polished cylinder of alloy A was andoized in a bath obtained by adding to volumes of water 0.5 volumes of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and 0.3 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric aicd of 22 B.
- the bath is maintained at 40 C.
- the voltage between electrodes is progressively increased at a rate of 15 volts per minute up to 30 volts which produces a current density of l ampere/dmfi.
- This layer 'behaves satisfactorily in the friction tests with a life of 70,000 revolutions, under a strain equal to of the elastic limit.
- EXAMPLE 5 A 14 mm. diameter polished cylinder of alloy B was anodized in an electrolytic bath obtained by adding to 10 volumes of water 1 volume of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and 0.5 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B.
- the bath is maintained at 70 C. Voltage is applied at a rate of 15 volts per minute until a current density of l ampere/dm. under 56 volts is obtained.
- This layer behaves in the same way as the layer formed on alloy A, when subjected to the friction test under the conditions of Example 4.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 Two types of test specimens, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, were used to measure the possible influence of the anodizing treatment upon the mechanical properties of alloy A.
- the first which is a notched cylindrical bar, is used to measure embrittlement under tension (Pratt and Whitney test).
- the second (FIG. 2), whose effective part is frustoconical, is used to measure fatigue by rotational flexure.
- the notched test specimens were subject to an initial strain of 116 kg./mm. which was increased by 5 kg./ mm. every five hours.
- test specimens failed between and 50 hours under strains of 156 kg./n1m. to 161 kg./mm. without any possibility of distinguishing between the anodized and nonanodized test specimens.
- the mechanical properties of the metal are shown to be substantially unaffected by the anodizing treatment according to the invention.
- a method for obtaining titanium or titanium alloy parts provided with a low friction coefiicient surface and capable of resisting gripping or seizure by rubbing under high pressure which consists of forming on the surface of the parts a porous and resistant oxide layer having a thickness of more than 1 micron and an open porosity ranging between 20% and with dimensions of pore sections ranging between 2 and 5 square microns, said oxide layer being formed by anodization under DC in an aqueous solution which contains a quantity of sulfuric acid ranging between 6% and 35% by Weight and a quantity of hydrochloric acid ranging between 0.7% and 8.5% by weight.
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Abstract
1. A METHOD FOR OBTAINING TITANIUM OR TITANIUM ALLOY PARTS PROVIDED WITH A LOW FRICTION COEFFICIENT SURFACE AND CAPABLE OF RESISTING GRIPPING OR SEIZURE BY RUBBING UNDER HIGH PRESSURE WHICH CONSISTS OF FORMING ON THE SURFACE OF THE PARTS AV POROUS AND RESISTANT OXIDE LAYER HAVING A THICKNSSS OF MORE THAN 1 MICRON AND AN OPEN POROSITY RANGING BETWEEN 20% AND 80% WITH DIMENSIONS OF PORE SECTIONS RANGING BETWEEN 2 AND 5 SQUARE MICRONS, SAID OXIDE LAYER BEING FORMED BY ANODIZATION UNDER DC IN AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION WHICH CONTAINS A QUANTITY OF SULFURIC ACID RANGING BETWEEN 6% AND 35% BY WEIGHT AND A QUANTITY OF HYDROCHLORIC ACID RANGING BETWEEN 0.7% AND 8.5% BY WEIGHT.
D R A W I N G
D R A W I N G
Description
Oct. 8, 1974 J A. CHEVALlE-R lrrAL 3,840,442
TITANIUM OR iITAHIUM ALLOYS HAVING AN AKODIZED SURFACE LAYER AND METHOD OF FORIING Filed April 7. 1972 Fig. 1
Fig. 2
United States Patent Olhce 3,840,442 Patented Oct. 8, 1974 U.S. Cl. 204-35 N Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to a process for forming a porous, resistant layer of titanium oxide by anodization on titanium and titanium-based alloys, and is distinguished by the fact that anodization is carried out in an aqueous solution containing from 6% to 35% by weight of sulphuric acid and from 0.7% to 8.5% by weight of hydrochloric acid and, optionally, from to 200 g./l. of perchloric acid and/or from 20 to 150 g./l. of nitric acid.
This invention relates to a process for the formation by electro-chemical oxidation of a thick, porous and mechanically resistant layer of titanium oxide in the surface of articles of titanium or titanium-based alloys.
A layer of this kind, the thickness of which can vary from 1 micron to several tens of microns, depending upon the duration of anodization, enables the surface of the anodized metal to be effectively lubricated through the penetration of lubricants into the pores of the anodized layer. It increases the resistance to wear and the resistance to corrosion of the surface of the metal.
Titanium and titanium-based alloys have acquired particular interest in industry and, in particular, in the aero nautical industry, by virtue of their remarkable mechanical properties and their low specific gravity of only 45. Unfortunately, they have a marked tendency towards seizure when in moving contact with conventional materials and, in particular, steels. The provision of a lubricant between the surfaces in contact does not have a lasting effect because the lubricant is not retained by the titanium surface.
To overcome this disadvantage, the surface of titanium articles has been subjected to various treatments, including the deposition of metals or ceramic compounds either by electrolysis, by spraying or by vacuum deposition, the diffusion of interstitial atoms, chemical or electrochemical treatments.
The treatment of titanium and its alloys by anodic oxidation involves considerable difiiculties. Baths recommended for the anodization of titanium include aqueous solutions of sulphuric acid with a concentration of 150 to 180 g./l., 100 g./l. of H 80 and 800 g./l. of H PO or 50 g./l. of caustic soda (NaOH).
Unfortunately, these reagents do not have any dissolving power on the oxide layer formed during anodization. Accordingly, even at extremely low thickness, this layer acts as a barrier layer when the voltage range allowed in industry, i.e. 48 volts at most, is used for reasons of safety. Since this layer is not porous, it does not retain the lubricants.
By contrast, other electrolytes, such as nitric acid, have an extremely aggressive effect upon the oxide layer which becomes powdery and does not have sufiicient resistance to wear or separation.
It is an object of this invention to produce and to provide a method for producing a thick, porous and resistant oxidized layer on surfaces of titanium or alloys of titanium and it is a related object to produce a surface layer of the type described which retains lubricants and which resists corrosion.
These and other objects of this invention will hereinafter appear and, for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, the specification includes a drawing in which FIGS. 1 and 2 are elevational views of strain test specimens employed for evaluation of the metals treated in accordance with the practice of this invention.
The process according to the present invention comprises carrying out anodic oxidation in an aqueous solution containing from 6% to 35% by weight of sulphuric acid and from 0.7% to 8.5% by weight of hydrochloric acid.
It is pointed out that, as a rule, hydrochloric acid has not been included in the composition of baths for anodizing titanium. The reason was undoubtedly the aggressive effects of this acid on the metal. In fact, the degreasing of titanium with chlorinated hydrocarbons has always been prohibited because it gives rise to corrosion under stress, which is attributed to the presence of traces of free hydrochloric acid in the solvent (Geduld Anodizing Titanium, Metal Finishing, April 1967).
Accordingly, it was by no means foreseeable that it would be possible to anodize titanium in an aqueous solution rich in hydrochloric acid, without any change in the mechanical properties of the metal.
The electrolysis bath used in the process according to the invention can be obtained by adding to one volume of water from 0.05 to 0.3 volumes of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and from 0.03 to 0.3 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B.
In addition to these two essential acids, it is also possible optionally to add to the bath from 30 to 200 g./l. of perchloric acid or from 20 to 150 g./l. of nitric acid or, preferably, these two acids together.
Although not absolutely essential, the presence of these two acids is desirable because it improves the homogeneity of the anodization layer and increases the constancy of the voltage at the terminals, during electrolysis at constant current density.
Suitable cathode materials include titanium, zirconium or an alloy based on one or both of these two metals.
The temperature of the bath is not critical. The optimum temperature of the bath is governed by the type of metal being treated. The bath temperature is preferably maintained between 18 and 30 C. for the anodization of pure titanium and between 40 and C. for the anodization of a titanium alloy.
Steps should be taken to avoid over-rapid application of voltage at the beginning of electrolysis in order to avoid the formation of a barrier layer that would not be attacked by the electrolysis bath. The voltage at the terminals is increased at a rate which should not exceed 20 volts per minute up to its final value which, generally, amounts to between 35 and 45 volts. This level is selected to keep the current density, which can amount to between 0.5 and 2 amperes/dmfi, at a constant level.
The thickness of the oxide layer, which is governed by the quantity of current used, can be varied between 1 micron and several tens of microns. In practice, thicknesses between 2 and 15 microns are most suitable, either for protection against corrosion or for lubricant retention.
The porosity of the oxide layer varies between 20% and 80%. The pores are irregular in shape, their section varying between 2 microns and 5 microns The porous layer has the property of becoming more compact under the effect of an externally applied pressure such as arises during friction. For this reason, it insures high resistance to wear of the article being treated.
The porous oxide layer can be sealed, for example, by varnishes or resins in order to protect the metal against the corrosive etfect of external agents.
The main advantage of the porous oxide layer is its property of elfectively retaining lubricants. The tendency towards seizure, which was an obstacle to the use of titanium, is thus eliminated.
It is extremely remarkable that the anodizing treatment of this invention has hardly any effect upon the mechanical properties of the metal, notwithstanding the presence of a large quantity of hydrochloric acid in the electrolysis bath.
The following examples, given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, relate to articles of a titanium alloy containing 6% of aluminum and 4% of vanadium, of particular importance to the aeronautical industry (alloy A), a pure titanium and a titanium alloy containing 6% of Al, 6% of V, 2% of Sn, 0.5% of Cu and 0.5% of Fe (alloy B). The object of these examples is to demonstrate the improvement which the process according to the invention provides in the resistance to seizure by virtue of the retention of a lubricant in the pores.
EXAMPLE 1 8 mm. and 2 mm. diameter bars of alloy A, in its annealed state, are anodized in an electrolytic bath containing 14% by weight of H 80 and 3.5% by weight of hydrochloric acid, obtained by adding to volumes of water, 1 volume of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and 1 volume of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B.
The bath is kept at 50 C. and the counter-electrode is made of titanium. Voltage is progressively increased at a rate of 10 volts per minute until a current density of 1 ampere/dm. is obtained, corresponding to a voltage between electrodes of 40 volts. After a total of 15 minutes, the articles are washed with distilled water and dried. They are light green in color and the thickness of the porous anodic layer is 2 microns.
The treated surfaces are lubricated by the application of a calcium stearate soap containing 10% of molybdenum disulphide, after which they are subjected to cold drawing tests which are continued up to the point of seizure in the die.
The drawing ratio is calculated in accordance with the following equation:
EXAMPLE 2 8 mm. and 2 mm. diameter bars of non-alloyed titanium of commercial grade are treated in an anodizing bath obtained by adding to 10 volumes of water, 1 volume of sulphuric acid of 66 B., 1 volume of nitric acid of 40 B. and 3 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B., Le. a bath containing 12.4% by weight of sulphuric acid, 2.9% by weight of nitric acid and 6% by weight of hydrochloric acid.
The bath is maintained at C. and the counter-electrode is made of titanium. Voltage is applied at a rate of 15 volts per minute until a current density of 1 ampere/ drn. is obtained, corresponding to a voltage of 48 volts. After a total of 30 minutes, the articles are washed with distilled water and dried. They are ivory in color and the 4 thickness of the anodic layer is 8 microns, with a porosity of around 30%.
The superiority of this layer to a layer obtained with conventional phosphatization and sulphuric anodization treatments, in regard to deformation by drawing, was demonstrated as in the case of Example 1. It was possible to obtain a total deformation of 200% for the 8 mm. di ameter bars and 400% for the 2 mm. diameter bars.
By way of comparison, for 2 mm. diameter bars, a high quality conversion layer obtained by phosphatization only allows 200% deformation, while a layer anodized in a conventional sulphuric medium only allows a deformation of 70%.
EXAMPLE 3 A polished, 14 mm. diameter cylinder of alloy A was anodized in an electrolytic bath obtained by adding to 10 volumes of water 1.5 volumes of sulphuric acid of 66 B.
1 volume of a solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B 1 volume of nitric acid of 40 B.
1 volume of perchloric acid of 56 B.
The bath is maintained at 50 C. The voltage between electrodes is increased progressively at a rate of 15 volts per minute up to 40 volts which produces a current density of 1 ampere/dm.
After 30 minutes treatment, an oxide layer is obtained which has a thickness of 10 microns and a porosity of 70%.
After washing and drying, the porous layer is impregnated with lubricant, as in Example 1.
By way of comparison, 3 other identical cylinders were prepared:
One was treated by anodization in a 10% sulphuric acid solution at a temperature of 20 C. and a voltage of 40 volts,
Another was covered with a layer formed by chemical phosphatization,
The third was coated by spraying to provide a layer of molybdenum 15 microns thick.
Friction tests on steel were carried out under the following conditions: a shoe of steel with a Rockwell C hardness f0 60 is applied to the cylinder of alloy A turning at 130 r.p.m. The loads applied to the shoe are calculated in such a way that the maximum stress at the shaft-shoe interface is a specific fraction (20%30%-40%50%) of the elastic limit of the alloy, which amounts to 84 kg./ mm.
Calculation of the stress a is determined by Hertz formula l..! l 1 am....0.42 LR with where The results obtained are set out in Table I.
TABLE I Number of revolutions of the cylinder before seizure Treated by the Maximum stram process Anodized Treated Sprayed expressed in percent according in sulby phoswith of the elastic limit; to the phuric phatizmolybof alloy A invention medium ation denum 20% (16.8 kg./mm. 110, 000 #1, 000 70, 000 30% (25.2 kg./mJu. 102, 000 100 #500 100, 000 40% (33.6 k ./rnm. 160, 000 50 100 145, 000 60% (42 kg. rum?) 130, 000 50 100 102, 000
It can be seen that the anodic layer obtained by the process according to the invention is markedly superior to that obtained by anodization in a sulphuric bath or by phosphatization. Its behavior in the presence of dry lubricant compares favorably with the spraying of molybdenum which, of course, is a much more expensive material.
In addition, with the layer formed by the process of this invention, friction measured during the test in this example is extremely low. From 0.05 at the beginning of the test, it increases to 0.01-0.02 after several thousand revolutions and remains at this level up to seizure.
EXAMPLE 4 A 14 mm. diameter polished cylinder of alloy A Was andoized in a bath obtained by adding to volumes of water 0.5 volumes of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and 0.3 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric aicd of 22 B.
The bath is maintained at 40 C. The voltage between electrodes is progressively increased at a rate of 15 volts per minute up to 30 volts which produces a current density of l ampere/dmfi.
After 10 minutes treatment, a bright green oxide layer, having a thickness of 1 micron and a porosity of around is obtained.
This layer 'behaves satisfactorily in the friction tests with a life of 70,000 revolutions, under a strain equal to of the elastic limit.
EXAMPLE 5 A 14 mm. diameter polished cylinder of alloy B was anodized in an electrolytic bath obtained by adding to 10 volumes of water 1 volume of sulphuric acid of 66 B. and 0.5 volumes of an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid of 22 B.
The bath is maintained at 70 C. Voltage is applied at a rate of 15 volts per minute until a current density of l ampere/dm. under 56 volts is obtained.
After 20 minutes treatment, a dark grey layer, having a thickness of 6 microns, and a porosity of around 60%, is obtained.
This layer behaves in the same way as the layer formed on alloy A, when subjected to the friction test under the conditions of Example 4.
Two types of test specimens, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, were used to measure the possible influence of the anodizing treatment upon the mechanical properties of alloy A. The first, which is a notched cylindrical bar, is used to measure embrittlement under tension (Pratt and Whitney test). The second (FIG. 2), whose effective part is frustoconical, is used to measure fatigue by rotational flexure.
In the case of the bars of alloy A in its annealed state, 10 identical test specimens of each type, 5 of which were retained as control and 5 anodized by the process according to the invention, were turned under the same conditions as the cylinders of Example 2. They were then washed and dried.
The notched test specimens were subject to an initial strain of 116 kg./mm. which was increased by 5 kg./ mm. every five hours.
All the test specimens failed between and 50 hours under strains of 156 kg./n1m. to 161 kg./mm. without any possibility of distinguishing between the anodized and nonanodized test specimens.
The tests carried out on the test specimens shown in FIG. 2 demonstrated that there was only a minimal difference (of the order of 5%) between the fatigue limits (at 6 3x10 alternations) of the non-anodized (control) and anodized test specimens.
Accordingly, the mechanical properties of the metal are shown to be substantially unaffected by the anodizing treatment according to the invention.
We claim:
1. A method for obtaining titanium or titanium alloy parts provided with a low friction coefiicient surface and capable of resisting gripping or seizure by rubbing under high pressure which consists of forming on the surface of the parts a porous and resistant oxide layer having a thickness of more than 1 micron and an open porosity ranging between 20% and with dimensions of pore sections ranging between 2 and 5 square microns, said oxide layer being formed by anodization under DC in an aqueous solution which contains a quantity of sulfuric acid ranging between 6% and 35% by Weight and a quantity of hydrochloric acid ranging between 0.7% and 8.5% by weight.
2. A process as claimed in Claim 1 in which the bath contains in addition an acid selected from the group consisting of 30 to 200 g./ 1. of perchloric acid and 20 to g./ l. of nitric acid and mixtures thereof.
3. A process as claimed in Claim 1 in which the electrolysis is carried out with direct current, using as the cathode a metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium and an alloy based upon titanium and/ or zirconium.
4. A process as claimed in Claim 3 in which the electrolysis is carried out under a voltage of less than 48 volts established by progressive increase in the voltage at a rate which does not exceed 20 volts per minute.
5. A process as claimed in Claim 1 in which the temperature of the bath is within the range of 18 to 80 C.
6. A process as claimed in Claim 5 in which the temperature does not exceed 30 C. for anodization of pure titanium.
7. A process as claimed in Claim 5 in which the temperature is within the range of 40 to 80 C. for the anodization of titanium alloys.
8. An article having a surface of titanium or titanium alloy in which the surface has an anodic layer of a porous lubricant retaining resistant layer of oxide having a thickness of at least 1 micron and an open porosity within the range of 20% to 80% of the volume with a pore size within the range of 2 microns to 5 microns and which is formed by positioning the article as an anode for direct current anodization in a solution containing as essential ingredients 635% by weight H 80 and 0.7-8.5% by weight HCl and which contains as non-essential ingredients 30-200 grams per liter perchloric acid and 20-150 grams per liter nitric acid, and mixtures thereof, the remainder being water.
9. An article as claimed in Claim 8 in which a lubricant is present in the porous anodic layer.
10. An article as claimed in Claim 8 in which a resinous material is present in the porous anodic layer to seal the layer and avoid corrosion from external agents.
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,949,411 8/1960 Beck 20456 R 2,647,079 7/1953 Burnham 20438 E FOREIGN PATENTS 1,046,929 10/1966 Great Britain 20456 R JOHN H. MACK, Primary Examiner R. L. ANDREWS, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R.
20438A, E, 56 R
Claims (1)
1. A METHOD FOR OBTAINING TITANIUM OR TITANIUM ALLOY PARTS PROVIDED WITH A LOW FRICTION COEFFICIENT SURFACE AND CAPABLE OF RESISTING GRIPPING OR SEIZURE BY RUBBING UNDER HIGH PRESSURE WHICH CONSISTS OF FORMING ON THE SURFACE OF THE PARTS AV POROUS AND RESISTANT OXIDE LAYER HAVING A THICKNSSS OF MORE THAN 1 MICRON AND AN OPEN POROSITY RANGING BETWEEN 20% AND 80% WITH DIMENSIONS OF PORE SECTIONS RANGING BETWEEN 2 AND 5 SQUARE MICRONS, SAID OXIDE LAYER BEING FORMED BY ANODIZATION UNDER DC IN AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION WHICH CONTAINS A QUANTITY OF SULFURIC ACID RANGING BETWEEN 6% AND 35% BY WEIGHT AND A QUANTITY OF HYDROCHLORIC ACID RANGING BETWEEN 0.7% AND 8.5% BY WEIGHT.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US00242094A US3840442A (en) | 1972-04-07 | 1972-04-07 | Titanium or titanium alloys having an anodized surface layer and method of forming |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US00242094A US3840442A (en) | 1972-04-07 | 1972-04-07 | Titanium or titanium alloys having an anodized surface layer and method of forming |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3840442A true US3840442A (en) | 1974-10-08 |
Family
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US00242094A Expired - Lifetime US3840442A (en) | 1972-04-07 | 1972-04-07 | Titanium or titanium alloys having an anodized surface layer and method of forming |
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| US (1) | US3840442A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3989876A (en) * | 1973-12-14 | 1976-11-02 | The Boeing Company | Method of anodizing titanium to promote adhesion |
| US5178694A (en) * | 1992-01-08 | 1993-01-12 | National Science Council | Surface hardening of Ti-6Al-4V by electrolytic hydrogenation |
| US20070149481A1 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2007-06-28 | Barbara Monse | N,n-bridged, nitrogen-substituted carbacyclic indolocarbazoles as protein kinase inhibitors |
| US20100006134A1 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2010-01-14 | Nippon Oil Corporation | Nanotube-shaped titania and process for producing the same |
| US9913947B2 (en) | 2009-04-10 | 2018-03-13 | Organic Cautery, LLC | Silane coating for medical devices and associated methods |
-
1972
- 1972-04-07 US US00242094A patent/US3840442A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3989876A (en) * | 1973-12-14 | 1976-11-02 | The Boeing Company | Method of anodizing titanium to promote adhesion |
| US5178694A (en) * | 1992-01-08 | 1993-01-12 | National Science Council | Surface hardening of Ti-6Al-4V by electrolytic hydrogenation |
| US20070149481A1 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2007-06-28 | Barbara Monse | N,n-bridged, nitrogen-substituted carbacyclic indolocarbazoles as protein kinase inhibitors |
| US20100006134A1 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2010-01-14 | Nippon Oil Corporation | Nanotube-shaped titania and process for producing the same |
| US7687431B2 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2010-03-30 | Nippon Oil Corporation | Nanotube-shaped titania and process for producing the same |
| US9913947B2 (en) | 2009-04-10 | 2018-03-13 | Organic Cautery, LLC | Silane coating for medical devices and associated methods |
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