Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are fabricated on Ti-6Al-4V alloy surfaces to improve insufficient surface hardness and wear resistance. Microstructure and mechanical properties and strengthening-toughening mechanisms of FGMs were investigated. The FGM cladding layer exhibits distinct gradient differentiation, demonstrating gradient variations in the nanoindentation hardness, wear resistance, and Al/V elemental composition. Molten pool dynamics analysis reveals that Marangoni convection drives Al/V elements toward the molten pool surface, forming compositional gradients. TiN-AlN eutectic structures generated on the FGM surface enhance wear resistance. Rapid solidification enables heterogeneous nucleation for grain refinement. The irregular wavy interface morphology strengthens interfacial bonding through mechanical interlocking, dispersing impact loads and suppressing crack propagation. FGMs exhibit excellent wear resistance and impact toughness compared with Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy. The specific wear rate is 1.17 × 10-2 mm3/(N·m), dynamic compressive strength reaches 1701.6 MPa, and impact absorption energy achieves 189.6 MJ/m3. This work provides theoretical guidance for the design of FGM strengthening of Ti-6Al-4V surfaces.
Keywords: functionally graded materials; laser cladding; mechanical properties; surface modification; titanium alloy.