Evolution of surface structural state and properties of TiNi-based alloy after electron-beam treatment

The study shows the effect of electron-beam treatment on the surface structural state and properties of a monolithic TiNi-based alloy. Initial monolithic TiNi alloy plates with a surface oxide layer were obtained by vacuum induction melting and subsequent rolling of ingots. Electron-beam treatment of the samples was carried out at an energy density of 3.5 and 4.5 J/cm², and a pulse count was 15. The structural and phase composition of the plate surface before and after the electron-beam treatment were studied using X‑ray diffraction analysis, optical and scanning microscopy, and interference profilometry. The wettability parameters were determined using a droplet shape analyzer based on the contact angle value. The roughness parameters were also assessed. It has been established that the exposure to electron-beam treatment changes the structure and phase composition by increasing its homogeneity. Increased electron energy during electron-beam treatment makes it possible to reduce the surface roughness parameters, leading to an increase in the contact angle of wetting. The characteristic temperatures of martensitic transformations remain practically unchanged.