Tribological Properties of TiAl Matrix Self-Lubricating Composites Containing Multilayer Graphene and Ti3SiC2 at High Temperatures

An investigation is conducted on the unexplored synergistic effects of multilayer graphene (MLG) and Ti₃SiC₂ in self-lubricating composites for use in high-temperature friction and wear applications. The tribological properties of TiAl matrix self-lubricating composites with different solid lubricant additions (Ti₃SiC₂-MLG, MLG) are investigated from room temperature to 800°C using a rotating ball-on-disk configuration. Tribological results suggest the evolution of lubrication properties of MLG and the excellent synergistic lubricating effect of MLG and Ti₃SiC₂ as the testing temperature changes. It can be deduced that MLG has great potential applications as a promising high-temperature solid lubricant within 400°C, and a combination of MLG and Ti₃SiC₂ is an effective way to achieve and maintain desired tribological properties over a wide temperature range.     

Friction and Wear Properties of TiAl-Ti3SiC2-MoS2 Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

TiAl matrix self-lubricating composites (TMC) with various weight percentages of Ti₃SiC₂ and MoS₂ lubricants were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The dry sliding tribological behaviors of TMC against an Si₃N₄ ceramic ball at room temperature were investigated through the determination of friction coefficients and wear rates and the analysis of the morphologies and compositions of wear debris, worn surfaces of TMC, and the Si₃N₄ ceramic ball. The results indicated that TMC with 10 wt% (Ti₃SiC₂-MoS₂) lubricants had good tribological properties due to the unique stratification subsurface microstructure of the worn surface. The friction coefficient was about 0.57, and the wear rate was 4.22 × 10^?4 mm³ (Nm)^?1. The main wear mechanisms of TMC with 10 wt% (Ti₃SiC₂-MoS₂) lubricants were abrasive wear, oxidation wear, and delamination of the friction layer. However, the main wear mechanisms of TMC without Ti₃SiC₂ and MoS₂ lubricants were abrasive wear and oxidation wear. The continuous friction layer was not formed on the worn surfaces. The self-lubricating friction layer on the frictional surface, different phase compositions and hardness, as well as density of TMC contributed to the change in the friction coefficient and wear rate.     

Tribological Behavior of PTFE Composites Filled with PEEK and Nano-Al2O3

In this study, the tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and nano-Al₂O₃ particles were studied using a block-on-ring wear tester. The tribological performance of the composites was affected by the experimental parameters (sliding speed, normal load, and environmental temperature) and the composites achieved a high-speed sliding friction state. The results showed that the PEEK and nano-Al₂O₃ particles significantly improved the wear resistance of the PTFE composites. In addition, the nano-Al₂O₃ particles increased the hardness of the composites and enhanced the mechanical properties to enable applications in a wider range of industrial fields. The effects of the sliding speed and normal load on the tribological properties were more significant than that of the environmental temperature. In addition, the entire wear process was divided into three stages (the initial wear stage, severe wear transition stage, and ultralow stable wear stage), according to the evolution of the tribological characteristics (wear rate, morphology of the worn surface and transfer film, and wear debris morphology).     

Tribological duality of Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>SiC<Subscript>2</Subscript>

We report here on the friction behavior of fine- and coarse-grained Ti₃SiC₂ against steel and Si₃N₄ balls. Two successive friction regimes have been identified for both grain sizes and both counterparts. First, Type I regime is characterized by a relatively low (0.1–0.15) friction coefficient, and very little wear. Sliding occurs between a tribofilm on the ball and the Ti₃SiC₂ plane when against steel. Then, a Type II regime often follows, with increased friction coefficients (0.4–0.5) and significant wear. Compacted wear debris seems to act as a third body resulting in abrasion of the ball, even in the case of Si₃N₄. The transition between the two regimes occurs at different times, depending on various factors such as grain size, type of pin, and normal load applied. Some experiments under vacuum showed that the atmosphere plays also a major role. The reason for this evolution is not fully clear at that time, but its understanding is of major technological importance given the unusual good properties of this material.     

Tribological Behaviour of Nanostructured Al2O3-3 wt% TiO2 Coating Against Steel in Dry Sliding

Nanostructured and conventional Al₂O₃-3 wt% TiO₂ coatings were deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying. The wear and friction properties of both coatings against a steel ball under dry friction conditions were examined. It was found that the wear resistance of the nanostructured Al₂O₃-3 wt% TiO₂ coating was superior to that of the corresponding conventional counterpart. The improvement in wear resistance of the nanostructured coating was attributed to its higher toughness and cohesion strength between splats. As for the nanostructured coating, the wear mechanism was mainly adhesion with micro-abrasion at low loads (20 N). At high loads (80 N), the wear of the nanostructured coating was controlled by plastic deformation and associated delamination along the splat boundaries, which was similar to that of the conventional coating at low loads. However, the failure of the conventional coating was predominantly brittle fracture within the splats and delamination between splats at high loads.     

Tribo-physical and tribo-chemical aspects of WC-based cermet/Ti3SiC2 tribo-pair at elevated temperatures

The tribological behaviors of tungsten carbide (WC) based cermet/Ti₃SiC₂ tribo-pair at elevated temperatures were investigated. Lead oxide (PbO) was added as a solid lubricant. The tribo-physical and tribo-chemical changes on sliding surfaces were studied in detail. The results indicated that adhesive and abrasive wear due to removal of metallic binder and pullout of grains were the dominant wear mechanisms at room temperature. At high temperature, tribo-physical changes (i.e. mechanical mixture or sintering) and tribo-chemical reactions including complex reaction and oxidations were induced by frictional heat combined with high environmental temperature. As a result PbWO₄ was formed as a reaction product and acted as a solid lubricant. PbWO₄ and tribo-oxides along with the physically changed layer on the sliding surfaces were favorable to reduce wear of both materials. At high temperature, the wear mechanism varied from adhesive and abrasive wear at room temperature to lubrication by tribo-layer containing PbWO₄, tribo-oxides, and sinters at high temperatures.     

High-Temperature Tribological Behavior of Al-20Si-5Fe-2Ni/ZrB2 Composites

Abstract

In this work, Al-20Si-5Fe-2Ni/ZrB₂ composites with 0–20?wt% ZrB₂ were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. The effects of ZrB₂ content on the microstructure, mechanical properties and high-temperature tribological behavior of the composites were investigated. The results indicate that Si, Al₅FeSi, and ZrB₂ particles are uniformly distributed in the aluminum matrix. The density, hardness, and compressive strength increase with increasing ZrB₂ content. The friction coefficient and wear rate are dependent on the ZrB₂ content and test temperature. At a certain temperature, the friction coefficient increases with an increase in ZrB₂ content, whereas the wear rate shows a reverse trend. Due to the improvement in thermal stability and high-temperature softening resistance, the composite shows improved wear resistance and increased transition temperature from mild wear to severe wear.     

Tribological properties of ZrO2 (Y2O3)-Mo-BaF2/CaF2 composites at high temperatures

ZrO₂ (Y₂O₃) with different contents of BaF₂/CaF₂ and Mo were fabricated by hot pressed sintering, and the tribological behavior of the composites against SiC ceramic was investigated from room temperature to 1000 °C. It was found that the ZrO₂ (Y₂O₃)-5BaF₂/CaF₂-10Mo composite possessed excellent self-lubricating and anti-wear properties. The low friction and wear were attributed to enhanced matrix and BaMoO₄ formed on the worn surfaces.     

Tribological properties of spark-plasma-sintered ZrO2(Y2O3)-CaF2-Ag composites at elevated temperatures

Spark-plasma sintering is employed to synthesize self-lubricating ZrO₂(Y₂O₃) matrix composites with different additives of CaF₂ and Ag as solid lubricants by tailoring the composition and by adjusting the sintering temperature. The friction and wear behavior of ZrO₂(Y₂O₃) matrix composites have been investigated in dry sliding against an alumina ball from room temperature to 800 °C. The effective self-lubrication at different temperatures depends mainly on the content of various solid lubricants in the composites. The addition of 35 wt.% Ag and 30 wt.% CaF₂ in the ZrO₂(Y₂O₃) matrix can promote the formation of a well-covered lubricating film, and effectively reduce the friction and wear over the entire temperature range studied. The friction coefficients at low temperatures were at a minimum value for the composite containing 35 wt.% of silver. At this silver concentration, low and intermediate temperature lubricating properties are greatly improved without affecting high-temperature lubrication by the calcium fluoride in ZrO₂(Y₂O₃) matrix composites. The worn surfaces and transfer films formed during wear process have been characterized to identify the synergistic lubrication behavior of CaF₂ and Ag lubricants at different temperatures.     

Tribological Behavior of Ti3Al2.5V Alloy Sliding against EN-31 Steel under Dry Condition

This article aims to study the friction and wear behavior of Ti3Al2.5V alloy sliding against EN-31 steel under dry condition using a multi-tribotester. The effect of variation in load and sliding velocity on wear rate, average coefficient of friction, and contact temperature has been studied and analysis of wear debris has been carried out. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to study the morphology of the wear tracks and deduce microchemical information at the elemental level of worn samples, respectively. Results reveal that the wear rate of Ti-3Al-2.5V increases with increasing sliding velocity and increasing normal load with few exceptions. The average coefficient of friction decreases as the normal load increases with exceptions at some loads. SEM micrographs of worn samples obtained at different loads and sliding velocities show the formation of wear tracks on the surface due to ploughing and flaking of the matrix. The main mechanism responsible for wear of Ti3Al2.5V alloy sample is rupture of the matrix and abrasion. Wear debris analysis shows irregular-shaped wear particles with very sharp edges that appeared to be plastically deformed at high sliding velocity, whereas the wear debris is very loose and fine at lowest sliding velocity.     

Tribological Properties of Muscovite/La2O3 Composite Powders as Lubricant Additives

Muscovite/La₂O₃ composite powders were prepared by ball-milling solid-state chemical reaction at room temperature. The phase composition and micromorphology of the composite powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The tribological properties of different samples were tested and compared using four-ball wear testing on an MMW-1A multifunctional friction and wear testing machine. The SEM micrography and energy spectrum of the composite powders illustrated that La₂O₃ particles were coated on the surface of muscovite particles. The results of the friction tests indicated that lubrication oil with muscovite/La₂O₃ composite powders presents better friction reducing and antiwear properties than that of the base oil, and the friction coefficients and diameters of wear scars decreased by 47.6 and 11.2% using 500SN base oil with 0.6g/L of muscovite/La₂O₃ composite powders as additives, respectively. The composite powders with 5 wt% La₂O₃ present the best comprehensive tribological properties. The micromorphology and chemical composition of the worn surface were analyzed by SEM and EDX, which confirm that the composite powders directly participate in the complicated physicochemical process of reactions on the worn surfaces, therefore improving the tribological properties of the base oil.     

Tribological Properties of Polymer Composites Containing Barite (BaSO4) or Potassium Titanate (K2O · 6(TiO2))

Tribological properties of particulate barite (BaSO₄) and potassium titanate (K₂O·6(TiO₂)) whiskers, the two major ingredients currently used for commercial brake friction materials, were investigated. A novolac resin was used as a binder for test specimens and a block-on-disk tribometer was used to assess friction characteristics of the two ingredients. Experimental results showed that the BaSO₄-filled composite produced large frictional oscillations and created severe damage on the gray iron counter surface, while the composite filled with the same amount of K₂O·6(TiO₂) whiskers showed smooth sliding without large friction force fluctuation. The cause of the different frictional behavior was investigated by considering stick-slip and mechanical properties of the composites, which was largely based on the morphology of the two ingredients and their role in reinforcing the composite. The results from this comparative study suggest that the friction characteristics of commercial friction materials can be strongly affected by the two ingredients, which have been considered as minor constituents for brake performance.     

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.     

Friction and Wear Behavior of Single-Phase Fe2B Bulk under Dry Sliding Condition

The effects of normal load and velocity on the friction and wear behavior of single-phase Fe₂B bulk have been investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results indicate that the friction coefficient and wear rate both decrease at first and then increase with increasing load and velocity, respectively. Attributed to the formation of a lamellar film on the Fe₂B surface, the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate are obtained at a velocity of 0.2 m/s under a load of 12 N. The dynamic friction coefficients under loads of 4 and 12 N are around 0.8 in the initial steady stage and then decrease to about 0.6, whereas the friction coefficient at 20 N shows no obvious change and remains around 0.82. The lubricating film consisting of Fe₂O₃, B₂O₃, SiO₂, and H₃BO₃ reduces the friction coefficient at 0.2 m/s under a load of 12 N.     

High-temperature tribological properties of spark-plasma-sintered Al2O3 composites containing barite-type structure sulfates

Al₂O₃–50BaSO₄–20Ag, Al₂O₃–50BaSO₄–10SiO₂, Al₂O₃–50(mass%)SrSO₄, Al₂O₃–50PbSO₄–5SiO₂, Al₂O₃–50BaSO₄ and Al₂O₃–50BaCrO₄ composites (mass%) were prepared by spark plasma sintering and their microstructure and high-temperature tribological properties were evaluated. Al₂O₃–50BaSO₄–20Ag composites (mass%) showed the lowest friction coefficients at the temperature ranging from 473 to 1073 K. Thin Ag film was observed on the wear tracks of the composites above 473 K. In addition, the friction coefficients of Al₂O₃ composites containing SrSO₄ and PbSO₄ were as low as those of Al₂O₃–BaSO₄ and Al₂O₃–BaCrO₄ composites at the temperatures up to 1073 K. The thin films formed on the wear tracks of the Al₂O₃–SrSO₄ composites were composed of Al₂O₃ and SrSO₄ phases, while the films formed on the wear tracks of the Al₂O₃–PbSO₄–SiO₂ composites consisted of Al₂O₃, PbSO₄ and SiO₂ phases.     

Tribological Properties of Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>/CuCrZr Composites

Al₂O₃ particles reinforced Cu–Cr–Zr alloy matrix composite was fabricated through a powder metallurgy plus hot extrusion process by using the water atomization Cu–Cr–Zr powder as raw material. The effect of aging treatment on the tribological behavior of the composite was investigated. Experimental results show that tiny coherent precipitated phases were formed in the matrix after proper aging treatment and therefore good combination properties could be obtained. The wear rates of the Al₂O₃/CuCrZr composite and its matrix alloy were obviously influenced by the aging treatment, wherein the best wear resistance was reached at the aging temperature corresponding to the highest Vickers hardness. The major reason was that the depth of plastic deformation in the subsurface region was dramatically decreased due to the improvement of mechanical properties of the matrix, and therefore adhesion induced surface materials loss could be markedly alleviated. By comparing with the SiC20 vol%/Cu composite, it is indicated that the Al₂O₃/CuCrZr composite exhibited much better wear resistance as well as higher electrical conductivity.     

Microstructure and High-Temperature Frictional Wear Property of Mo-Based Composites Reinforced by Aluminum and Lanthanum Oxides

In this article, we developed Mo-based composites reinforced with aluminum and lanthanum oxides using a sol-gel method combined with a sintering process and researched the microstructure and frictional wear properties under high-temperature conditions. The microstructure of composites was characterized by α-Al₂O₃ and composite oxide (La_0.62Mo_0.38)AlO₃, which were uniformly distributed in the molybdenum matrix. The composite oxide (La_0.62Mo_0.38)AlO₃ was mainly attached to α-Al₂O₃. The interfaces of α-Al₂O₃/Mo and α-Al₂O₃/(La_0.62Mo_0.38)AlO₃ were well bonded. The α-Al₂O₃ refined the molybdenum grains, increased the relative density and hardness of Mo-based composites, and had an obvious effect on the frictional wear properties of the composites. With increasing α-Al₂O₃ content, the friction coefficient first increased and then decreased, and the wear weight loss decreased continuously. The wear failure mode varied from microcutting to fatigue with increasing α-Al₂O₃ content. The better wear resistance of Mo-based composites, compared to pure molybdenum, was mainly attributed to the characteristics of α-Al₂O₃, such as high microhardness, good morphology, well-bonded phase interface, and high hardness matrix due to the effects of α-Al₂O₃ reinforcement.     

Tribological behaviors and mechanisms of Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>AlC<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Tribological behaviors and the relevant mechanism of a highly pure polycrystalline bulk Ti₃AlC₂ sliding dryly against a low carbon steel disk were investigated. The tribological tests were carried out using a block-on-disk type high-speed friction tester, at the sliding speeds of 20–60 m/s under a normal pressure of 0.8 MPa. The results showed that the friction coefficient is as low as 0.1∼0.14 and the wear rate of Ti₃AlC₂ is only (2.3–2.5) × 10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm in the sliding speed range of 20–60 m/s. Such unusual friction and wear properties were confirmed to be dependant dominantly upon the presence of a frictional oxide film consisting of amorphous Ti, Al, and Fe oxides on the friction surfaces. The oxide film is in a fused state during the sliding friction at a fused temperature of 238–324 °C, so it takes a significant self-lubricating effect.     

Comment on “Pulsed Laser Deposition and Properties of Mn+1AXx Phase Formulated Ti3SiC2 Thin Films”

A recent paper by Hu et al. claimed synthesis of the MAX-phase Ti₃SiC₂at 100–300 °C using pulsed laser deposition. In this comment, we find that the evidence presented by Hu et al. is insufficient to show Ti₃SiC₂ formation. In fact, there is a simpler interpretation of their results from X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, namely that the material produced is a cubic TiC-based compound.     

Wear Behavior of Al/CMA-Type Al3Mg2 Nanocomposites Fabricated by Mechanical Milling and Hot Extrusion

In the current research, the wear behavior of an aluminum matrix nanocomposite material prepared via mechanical milling and hot extrusion was investigated. The sample powders were milled at different milling times up to 15 h to produce nanostructure powders. Mechanical milling was used to prepare nanocomposite samples by the addition of 10 wt% of Al₃Mg₂ nanoparticles into the Al matrix. A pin-on-disk setup was used to evaluate the wear properties of the hot-extruded samples under dry condition. Hardness values were used for further explanation of the observed results. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyzer was used to analyze the worn surfaces. The results revealed a lower friction coefficient and a lower wear rate for the unmilled nanocomposite sample in contrast to a commercial pure Al one. The same pattern was also observed in the milled nanocomposite samples with respect to the base matrix.