“…In zones with a smaller TiC precipitate density, the hardness can be quantitatively explained as due to TiC dispersion hardening. The possibility to truly trace the hardness-depth profile of an ion implanted region and to relate this hardness-depth profile with the local variations in microstructure and composition augurs for the development of property-tailored ion implantation procedures [113]. Just to highlight the levels of hardness attainable, a threefold increase in microhardness at loads of 1-2 g is reported in titanium alloys [114][115][116].…”