Application of ion implantation to wear protection of materials

Key results from the literature for the wear behavior of N- and Ti-implanted steels are reviewed. A qualitative model which rationalizes the mechanisms producing improvements in the sliding wear resistance of steels is presented. In the limited regime of low sliding velocities the model provides guidelines for choosing the experimental conditions of applied load, composition, hardness and heat treatment of the steel under which implantation will improve wear resistance. (orig.)