Effects of tantalum ion implantation on the surface properties of Al-Mg alloy

Abstract The effects of tantalum ion implantation on the corrosion resistance, wear resistance and friction coefficient on Al–10% Mg alloys used in molds by the jelly food industry in China were investigated. The experimental results showed that the electrochemical passivation zone of the Al–Mg alloy specimens subjected to a citric acid solution was enlarged by tantalum ion implantation when the tantalum ion dose was more than 3.77 × 10 17 ions/cm 2 . The hardness of implanted surface was elevated from 60 to 110 HV. The friction coefficient between the implanted surface and stainless steel was decreased from more than 1–0.33. Results obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy revealed the formation of a new Ta 2 O 5 phase in the implanted layer.