Increase in the surface strength of titanium implanted with argon ions

We have studied the influence of argon-ion implantation at accelerating voltages within 40 – 130 kV in a dose range of (1 – 4) $\times$ 10$^{16}$ ion/cm$^2$ on the morphology, microhardness, and fatigue strength of titanium. A method of titanium surface strengthening and modification by Ar$^+$-ion implantation is proposed, which opens new possible applications of this material in electrical devices for power engineering, chemical industry, and metallurgical equipment.