Comparison of wear behaviour of plasma-sprayed Al2O3 coatings with and without laser treatment

This paper studies experimentally the effects of CO₂ laser-treatment on the wear behaviour of plasma-sprayed Al₂O₃ coatings, in linear contact sliding (dry, abrasive and lubricated) against SAE 4620 steel. Tests were carried out using a block-on-ring friction and wear tester, under different loads at different speeds. The wear mechanism and the changes in adherence, porosity and microstructure by laser treatment were also investigated. Results show a better wear behaviour for both laser-treated ceramic coating and its paired steel under dry and abrasive conditions, compared with the case without laser treatment. The lubricated wear behaviour of the laser-treated ceramic coating, however, is not improved. The changes in microhardness, porosity and adherence caused by the laser treatment are responsible for the change in wear behaviour of the ceramic coating.     

Friction and wear behaviour of Thordon XL and LgSn80 in sliding against plasma-sprayed Cr2O3 coatings

This paper studies the friction and wear behaviour of two important bearing materials, Thordon XL and LgSn80, in dry and lubricated sliding vs. plasma-sprayed Cr₂O₃ coatings. As a reference, AISI 1043 steel is also studied under the same conditions. SEM, EDS and surface topography were employed to study the wear mechanisms. The results indicate that the Thordon XL/Cr₂O₃ coating pair gives the lowest dry friction coefficient (0.16) under a normal load of 45.3 N (pressure 0.453 MPa) at a velocity of 1 m/s. The dry friction coefficient of Thordon XL/Cr₂O₃ coating increases to 0.38 under a normal load of 88.5 N (pressure 0.885 MPa). The dry friction coefficients of the LgSn80/Cr₂O₃ coating are in the range of 0.31–0.46. Secondly, both dry wear rate under low normal load (45.3 N) and lubricated wear rate under a load of 680 N for Thordon XL are lower than those of LgSn80 in sliding against plasma-sprayed Cr₂O₃ coatings at a speed of 1 m/s. However, under a normal load of 88.5 N the dry wear rate of Thordon XL is much higher than that of LgSn80. Thirdly, a high viscosity lubricant (SAE 140) leads to lower wear for Thordon XL and LgSn80 than a low viscosity lubricant (SAE 30). Finally, the dominating wear mechanism for Thordon XL is shear fracture when against the plasma-sprayed Cr₂O₃ ceramic coating. For LgSn80 against plasma-sprayed Cr₂O₃ ceramic coating, abrasive wear is the governing failure mechanism.     

Ceramic particulate composites in the system SiC–TiC–TiB2 sliding against SiC and Al2O3 under water

The tribological behaviour of SiC, SiC–TiC and SiC–TiC–TiB₂ was determined in oscillating sliding against SiC and α-Al₂O₃ in water at room temperature. The tribo-systems with the composite materials containing TiC and TiB₂ differ significantly from the systems with the single phase SiC: The wear is reduced and the friction is increased. The wear reduction up to a factor of 10 is mainly due to the formation of an oxide film containing titanium oxides which is soft, stable in water and well adhering to the bulk material. This oxide film is transferred to the alumina ball but not to the silicon carbide ball.     

Friction and wear behaviour of plasma-sprayed Cr2O3 coatings against steel in a wide range of sliding velocities and normal loads

This study investigates the influence of sliding speed and normal load on the friction and wear of plasma-sprayed Cr₂O₃ coatings, in dry and lubricated sliding against AISI D2 steel. Friction and wear tests were performed in a wide speed range of 0.125–8 m/s under different normal loads using a block-on-ring tribometer. SEM, EDS and XPS were employed to identify the mechanical and chemical changes on the worn surfaces. A tangential impact wear model was proposed to explain the steep rising of wear from the minimum wear to the maximum wear. The results show that the wear of Cr₂O₃ coatings increases with increasing load. Secondly, there exist a minimum-wear sliding speed (0.5 m/s) and a maximum-wear sliding speed (3 m/s) for a Cr₂O₃ coating in dry sliding. With the increase of speed, the wear of a Cr₂O₃ coating decreases in the range 0.125–0.5 m/s, then rises steeply from 0.5 m/s to 3 m/s, followed by a decrease thereafter. The large variation of wear with respect to speed can be explained by stick-slip at low speeds, the tangential impact effect at median speeds and the softening effect of flash temperature at high speeds. Thirdly, the chemical compositions of the transfer film are a-Fe₂O₃ in the speed range 0.25–2 m/s, and FeO at 7 m/s. In addition, the wear mechanisms of a Cr₂O₃ coating in dry sliding versus AISI D2 steel are adhesion at low speeds, brittle fracture at median speeds and a mixture of abrasion and brittle fracture at high speeds. Finally the lubricated wear of Cr₂O₃ coating increases sharply from 1 to 2.8 m/s.     

Lubrication of Si3N4 and Al2O3 in water with and without addition of silane coupling agents in the range of 0.05–0.10 mol/l

To improve water lubrication of ceramics at a lower sliding velocity, the effect of the addition of silane coupling agents was investigated. Si₃N₄ and Al₂O₃ were slid against themselves in water with and without the addition of silane coupling agents in amounts ranging from 0.05 to 0.10 mol/l. Silane coupling agents containing one or more amino groups were effective in reducing the friction of Si₃N₄ and Al₂O₃ in water. Si₃N₄ also showed significant wear reduction but not Al₂O₃. However, the addition of a silane coupling agent containing an epoxy group increased both friction and wear of Si₃N₄. Improved lubricative characteristics of Si₃N₄ in water and in silane coupling agent solutions were obtained when Si₃N₄ contained smaller amounts of sintering additives. The adsorption behaviour of a silane coupling agent on ceramics was examined using both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography to clarify the interaction between the silane coupling agent and the ceramics. The role of polysiloxane film formation on ceramics is discussed to demonstrate the lubrication properties of ceramics.     

A comparative study on the microstructure and tribological properties of Si3N4 and TiN films produced by the IBED method

The tribological properties of Si₃N₄ and TiN thin films produced by ion beam enhanced deposition (IBED) were compared on a SRV friction and wear testing machine. The friction coefficient of all thin films shows a descending tendency with increase in load, and is lower than that of 52100 steel. All the IBED films show a much better wear resistance than 52100 steel, especially in the higher load and frequency ranges; it can reach six times that of the latter. In order to understand the reasons for their excellent properties, the microstructure, microhardness and bonding strength with the substrate were analysed by SEM, X-ray diffraction, Knoop hardness and scratching test methods separately. The results show that the TiN(1) film exhibits the best tribological properties, which are closely related with its greater hardness and bonding strength.     

A study on friction and wear characteristics of nanometer Al2O3 /PEEK composites under the dry sliding condition

The friction and wear properties of the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) based composites filled with 5 mass% nanometer or micron Al₂O₃ with or without 10 mass% polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) against the medium carbon steel (AISI 1045 steel) ring under the dry sliding condition at Amsler wear tester were examined. A constant sliding velocity of 0.42 m s⁻¹ and a load of 196 N were used in all experiments. The average diameter 250 μm PEEK powders, the 15 or 90 nm Al₂O₃ nano-particles or 500 nm Al₂O₃ particles and/or the PTFE fine powders of diameter 50 μm were mechanically mixed in alcohol, and then the block composite specimens were prepared by the heat compression moulding. The homogeneously dispersion of the Al₂O₃ nano-particles in PEEK matrix of the prepared composites was analyzed by the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The wear testing results showed that nanometer and micron Al₂O₃ reduced the wear coefficient of PEEK composites without PTFE effectively, but not reduced the friction coefficient. The filling of 10 mass% PTFE into pure PEEK resulted in a decrease of the friction coefficient and the wear coefficient of the filled composite simultaneously. However, when 10 mass% PTFE was filled into Al₂O₃/ PEEK composites, the friction coefficient was decreased and the wear coefficient increased. The worn scars on the tested composite specimen surfaces and steel ring surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A thin, uniform, and tenacious transferred film on the surface of the steel rings against the PEEK composites filled with 5 mass% 15 nm Al₂O₃ particles but without PTFE was formed. The components of the transferred films were detected by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The results indicated that the nanometer Al₂O₃ as the filler, together with PEEK matrix, transferred to the counterpart ring surface during the sliding friction and wear. Therefore, the ability of Al₂O₃ to improve the wear resistant behaviors is closely related to the ability to improve the characteristics of the transfer film.     

Comparison on abrasive wear of SiCrFe, CrFeC and Al2O3 reinforced Al2024 MMCs

The effects of volume fraction and size of SiCrFe, CrFeC, and Al₂O₃ particulates on the abrasive wear rate of compo-casted Al2024 metal matrix composites (MMCs) were studied. The process variables like the stirring speed, position and the diameter of the stirrer have affected the diffusion between particulates and matrix.The abrasive wear rate was decreased by the increase in particulate volume fraction of SiCrFe and CrFeC intermetallic reinforced composites over 80 grade SiC abrasive paper. The wear rates of the all composites decreased with aging treatment, and the best result was seen for the composite having a hybrite structure as SiCrFe and CrFeC particulates together. Nevertheless, the fabrication of composites containing soft particles as copper favors a reduction in the friction coefficient.     

Sliding wear characteristics of plasma-sprayed Al2O3 and Cr2O3 coatings against copper alloy under severe conditions

Al₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ coatings were deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying and their tribological properties dry sliding against copper alloy were evaluated using a block-on-ring configuration at room temperature. It was found that the wear resistance of Al₂O₃ coating was superior to that of the Cr₂O₃ coating under the conditions used in the present study. This mainly attributed to its better thermal conductivity of Al₂O₃ coating, which was considered to effectively facilitate the dissipation of tribological heat and alleviate the reduction of hardness due to the accumulated tribological heat. As for the Al₂O₃ coating, the wear mechanism was plastic deformation along with some micro-abrasion and fatigue-induced brittle fracture, while the failure of Cr₂O₃ coating was predominantly the crack propagation-induced detachment of transferred films and splats spallation.     

The friction and wear properties of nanometre SiO2 filled polyetheretherketone

Nanometre SiO₂ filled-polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite blocks with different filler proportions were prepared by compression moulding. Their friction and wear properties were investigated on a block-on-ring machine by running a plain carbon steel (AISI 1045 steel) ring against the composite block. The morphologies of the wear traces and the transfer film were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that nanometre SiO₂ filled-PEEK exhibited considerably lower friction coefficient and wear rate in comparison with pure PEEK. The lowest wear rate was obtained with the composite containing 7.5 wt.% SiO₂. The SEM pictures of the wear traces indicated that with the frictional couple of carbon steel ring/composite block (fillec with 7.5 wt.% filler), a thin, uniform, and tenacious transfer film was formed on the ring surface. It was inferred that the transfer film contributed largely to the decreased friction coefficient and wear rate of the filled PEEK composites.     

Impact of Cr3C2/VC addition on the dry sliding friction and wear response of WC–Co cemented carbides

Two grades of WC–10 wt.%Co cemented carbide with or without addition of Cr₃C₂/VC grain growth inhibitor during liquid phase sintering were produced with the goal to investigate their reciprocating sliding friction and wear behaviour against WC–6 wt.%Co cemented carbide under unlubricated conditions. The tribological characteristics were obtained on a Plint TE77 tribometer using distinctive normal contact loads. The generated wear tracks were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and quantified topographically using surface scanning equipment. The post-mortem obtained wear volumes were compared to the online assessed wear. Correlations between wear volume, wear rate and coefficient of friction on the one hand and sliding distance and microstructural properties on the other hand were determined, revealing a significant influence of Cr₃C₂/VC on the friction characteristics and wear performance.     

Effects of Y2O3 addition on microstructure, mechanical properties, electrochemical behavior, and resistance to corrosive wear of aluminum

Aluminum has found many engineering applications due to its great formability, low density and high resistance to corrosion. Since aluminum is not very strong compared to other structural materials, it is usually strengthened by introducing second phases, reinforcing particles or fibers.The objective of this work is to strengthen aluminum without decreasing its corrosion resistance. Yttria is selected as reinforcing particles. It is demonstrated that by adding yttria particles, aluminum can be strengthened with improved polarization behavior and higher resistance to corrosive wear in sulfuric acid and sodium chloride solutions. Microstructure of aluminum becomes finer with an increase in yttria content. However, the added yttria particles are not observed in the modified aluminum. Instead, a new phase, Al₃Y, is formed, which may result from possible decomposition or melting of the yttria particles during an arc melting process. The improved properties of aluminum by the yttria addition may thus be attributed to the formation of Al₃Y phase, possible residual yttrium in the Al matrix, and the resultant finer microstructure.     

Study of tribofilms formed during dry sliding of Ta2AlC/Ag or Cr2AlC/Ag composites against Ni-based superalloys and Al2O3

Herein we show that dry sliding, in air, in the 25–550 °C temperature range, of the novel Ta₂AlC/20 vol.% Ag and Cr₂AlC/20 vol.% Ag composites against Ni-based superalloys (SAs) and alumina led to the formation of steady-state tribofilms whose thicknesses and compositions varied depending on sliding conditions. At elevated temperatures, under both isothermal and thermocyclic conditions, relatively thick (>0.5 μm) well-compacted “glaze” lubricious tribofilms were developed as a result of joint action of tribo-chemical and tribo-mechanical factors involving repeated tribo-oxidation, mixing, fracturing, sintering, etc. They were mainly composed of oxidized constituents from both counterparts (if slid vs. SA) or solely from MAX-Ag ones (vs. Al₂O₃) and possessed a fine multi-layered microstructure, i.e. a more oxidized thin outermost layer and a less oxidized carbide-containing thicker inner layer. During thermocycling the tribofilms adapted to 25–550 °C temperature variations and preserved their primary macro- and microstructure, hardness, good adhesion to the matrix and lubricating characteristics. Consequently, the tribological properties of MAX-Ag/SA tribocouples did not deteriorate, but slightly improved with sliding distance. A possible mechanism of tribofilm generation and their transformations at various temperatures is discussed. The effect of SA and alumina counterparts on the formation and degradation of the tribofilms are also discussed.     

Study on the tribological behavior of hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric composites filled with Sb2O3 and melamine cyanurate

The tribological behavior of the hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric composites filled with microsize Sb₂O₃ and melamine cyanurate (MCA) was investigated. It was found that the wear rate of the hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric composites decreased when Sb₂O₃ was used as the filler but increased with MCA filler. It was also observed that hybrid fillers (consists of Sb₂O₃ and MCA) had a wear reduction effect on the hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric composites at lower loads but increased the wear rate at higher loads. The wear behavior of the composites was explained in terms of the topography of worn surfaces and transfer film formed on the counterpart pin.