The effect of boron implantation on the cavitation erosion resistance of copper and nickel

The cavitation erosion of a metal is significantly influenced by the composition, structure and state of stress in the surface. Consequently, the implantation of foreign ions, which introduces a composition change, structural defects and, generally, a compressive stress in the surface, has the potential of markedly affecting the erosion resistance. In the present study, as part of a continuing investigation into the structure and properties of boron implanted copper and nickel, the influence of boron implantation on the cavitation-induced surface deformation and erosion rates has been determined. Implantation improves the erosion resistance of both metals but has a greater effect in nickel than in copper, consistent with previous results on hardness. In both metals, this may be attributed to a higher flow stress in the implanted material. (author)