A two-step O boost diffusion process was developed to produce deep hard case on Ti alloys. The dissociation process of the oxide layer in the boost diffusion was investigated in detail. The process parameters were optimized to tailor the O profile to fit the engineering requirements. Metallographic, X-ray diffraction examinations as well as mechanical testing were performed to evaluate the boost diffused treated samples.

The Effect of Treatment Condition on Boost Diffusion of Thermally Oxidised Titanium Alloy. Z.X.Zhang, H.Dong, T.Bell, B.Xu: Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2007, 431[1-2], 93-9