The disfribution of composition and microstructure of the AlN/TiN layer of aluminum alloy 2024 implanted by Plasma Based
Ion Implantation(PBII) were characterized using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Glancing Angle X-ray Diffraction (GAXRD). XPS results show that N and Ti can be implanted into 2024 effectively, the content of N presents a Gaussian-like distribution, and that of Ti decreases gradually along the implanted direction from the surface. The post-implanted elements have great influence on the content and depth profile of the pre-implanted ones. The simultaneously implanted Ti and N can form a steady layer of Ti and N on the surface. In comparison with 2024, the AlN/TiN layer has remarkably improved the
mechanical properties, of which both the nano-hardness and the load bearing capacity have in most cases increased over 5 times, the friction coefficient has been decreased more than 70%, wear life has been improved near to 6 times, and the
wear resistance has enhanced approximately 10 times and the degree of adhesive wear has lightened markedly at low sliding loads. Nevertheless, the wear-resistant properties are reduced gradually with increasing the sliding load. The great improvement of the mechanical properties is mainly owing to the proper structure of the layer and the presence of TiO 2, TiN, TiAl 3, Al 2O 3, and AlN phases in it.