State of the art and prospects on laser surface modifications of titanium alloys for the aerospace industries

Laser surface alloying and laser cladding were applied to enhance the tribological properties of titanium alloys. Wear resistant Cr7C3/NiCr, T5Si3/T and Ti5Si3/NiT2 in-situ metal matrix and intermetallic matrix composite coatings were fabricated on substrate of titanium alloys by the laser surface processing processes. The room and elevated temperature tribological properties of the laser surface processed wear resistant composite coatings were evaluated as functions of coatings microstructural parameters and laser processing conditions. The responding wear mechanisms were discussed based on worn surface and debris morphologies observations. The potential applications of laser surface modifications of titanium alloys for the aerospace industries are prospected.