TITANIUM CARBIDE SURFACE ENGINEERING: REVIEW OF RECENT ADVANCES IN APPLICATION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Titanium carbide remains a cornerstone of modern surface engineering, distinguished by its face-centered cubic NaCl-type crystal structure and a suite of exceptional refractory properties. With a high melting point of 3067°C, an elastic modulus between 410 and 450 GPa, and a hardness reaching 3200 HV, TiC is uniquely positioned to enhance the durability of substrates in demanding industrial environments. This review article provides a systematic and comprehensive survey of the latest advancements in TiC deposition and application techniques, spanning literature of recent years. By investigating the intersection of microstructural tailoring and tribological performance, the paper offers a high-level roadmap for researchers aiming to mitigate TiC’s inherent brittleness while maximizing its protective capabilities.

The investigation encompasses a broad spectrum of sophisticated application methods, categorizing them by their deposition mechanisms and resulting coating characteristics. Key techniques analyzed include diffusion and in-situ methods, such as the In-situ Solid-phase Diffusion Method, which leverages cast iron as a carbon source to create gradient TiC-Fe coatings on titanium substrates with a volume fraction exceeding 95% [1]. Thermal and plasma deposition processes, such as High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel thermal spraying, are evaluated for their efficacy in protecting SS316 steel, alongside Air Pulsed Plasma Deposition, which utilizes electro-thermal axial accelerators to synthesize particle-reinforced metal matrix composites. Significant attention is paid to laser and arc-based technologies, including laser cladding and Tungsten Inert Gas welding, which are noted for their industrial scalability and ability to refine substrate microstructures from pearlite to high-hardness phases [2]. Advanced sputtering and vapor deposition techniques are also explored, such as Dual-Ion Beam Sputtering for nano-coatings and Chemical Vapor Deposition for complex geometries, highlighting the formation of metastable TiC phases and supersaturated solid solutions [3].

The article further provides a comparative analysis of mechanical performance across diverse substrates, including Ti6Al4V alloys, AISI 1020 steel, and YG8 cemented carbides. It quantifies the influence of process parameters such as discharge voltages, pulse rates, and vacuum levels on interfacial adhesion and wear volume reduction. For instance, specific chemical reactions such as $2CO\rightarrow CO_{2}\uparrow+[C]$ and $8Ti+5[C]\longrightarrow Ti_{8}C_{5}$ are identified as critical mechanisms in salt bath carburizing that lead to a 55.9% reduction in friction coefficients.

By synthesizing these findings into a comparative framework, the review highlights the trade-offs between high-conformality techniques and high-speed scalable methods. This work serves as a short review summarizing recent advances in TiC surface engineering strategies to extend the service life of critical components in the aerospace, biomedical, and manufacturing sectors.

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