Microstructure and microhardness of a novel TiZrAlV alloy by laser gas nitriding at different laser powers

The Ti-20Zr-6.5Al-4V (T20Z, wt%) alloy surface was treated by the process of laser surface nitriding. The evolution of microstructures and microhardness has been investigated by changing the laser power parameter from 120 to 240 W. All laser-treated T20Z samples show two regions with distinctly different microstructural features, as compared with the untreated substrate: dense TiN dendrites and (alpha + beta) - Ti (remelting zone, RMZ), nanoscale alpha laths doped with part of beta phase (heat-affected zone, HAZ). The formation of TiN dendrites can be analyzed by a series of complex reactions during the process of melting and solidification. The increase in laser power results in the increase in content of TiN dendrite which is mainly due to the increase in energy input. In HAZ, the self-quenching effect leads to the formation of nanoscale alpha laths and the residue of beta phase. Microhardness profile of different regions was measured from the surface to the interior, and the highest microhardness was obtained ( HV 916.8) in the RMZ, as the laser power was set to 240 W. In the present study, we explained various microstructural characteristics induced by laser surface nitriding treatment. Graphic abstract