Effect of Sliding Speed on Surface Modification and Tribological Behavior of Copper–Graphite Composite

In practice, the sliding speed is an important parameter for materials applied in sliding condition. We have conducted an experimental study to explore the effect of sliding speed on friction and wear performance of a copper–graphite composite. The sliding tests were carried out over a wide range of speeds with a pin-on-disc configuration. The results show that there is a critical speed at which there is a transition of the friction and wear regimes of the composite. In addition, the formation of a lubricant layer on the contact surface (surface modification) determines the actual tribological performance of the composite. The wear mechanisms in different wear regimes are also discussed.     

Tribological Performance of Microwave-Heat-Treated Copper–Graphite Composites

Copper–graphite composite is a tribological composite that can be used in sliding electrical contact applications requiring low friction and wear in addition to high electrical conductivity. The graphite powder (5 wt%) was mixed with the copper powder, and then composite was fabricated through powder metallurgy (P/M) route. P/M product generally requires secondary operations such as rolling, extrusion, etc. to improve their mechanical properties. Post-heat-treatment technique is also applicable to improve the properties of P/M components. Microwave-post-heat-treatment research studies are gaining momentum nowadays due to the improved quality of products with reduced time, energy, and associated cost. Microwave post-heat treatment of copper–graphite composites for different heat treating duration was carried out in a hybrid microwave heating setup. Microstructural studies were carried out using SEM with EDAX. Microwave-heat-treated samples exhibited reduced porosity, improved density, and hardness. In order to understand the friction and wear properties of microwave-heat-treated copper–graphite composites, pin-on-disk wear experiments were conducted. For comparison, untreated copper–graphite composites were also subjected to similar studies. Microwave-heat-treated samples exhibited reduced coefficient of friction and specific wear rate when compared to the untreated ones. The wear mechanism of untreated composites was observed to be plastic deformation characterized by large wear fragments, whereas the mechanism of heat-treated composite was delamination observed through peel off tribolayer.     

Effect of Copper Content on Tribological Characteristics of Fe−C−Cu Composites

The paper presents the results of an investigation of the effect of the copper content on the tribological characteristics of Fe?C?Cu composites. It has been shown that the best tribological properties and hardness are shown by material containing 3% copper. In the case of a 10% copper concentration, the wear rate of the composite rises by as much as ten times, while at a 20% concentration, it decreases. It has been proved that the copper concentration significantly affects the formation of friction surface morphology.     

Effect of Bio-Lubricant and Biodiesel-Contaminated Lubricant on Tribological Behavior of Cylinder Liner–Piston Ring Combination

This article addresses the issue of friction and wear characteristics of diesel engine cylinder liner–piston ring combinations under different lubricating conditions using a pin-on-disc wear tribometer. The discs were made out of actual engine cylinder liner material using a casting process. Pins were made out of top compression ring material. The tests were conducted on a pin-on-disc tribometer for wear and friction characteristics of the cylinder liner and piston ring combination with diesel-contaminated rapeseed oil–based bio-lubricant, diesel-contaminated commercial synthetic lubrication oil (SAE 20W40), biodiesel-contaminated commercial synthetic lubrication oil (SAE 20W40), and used (150 h) commercial synthetic lubrication oil (SAE 20W40). Experimental results demonstrated that the rapeseed oil–based bio-lubricant and biodiesel-contaminated synthetic lubricant exhibited better performance in terms of wear, friction, and frictional force under similar operating conditions. Thus, usage of newly formulated bio-lubricant and biodiesel in the long run may have a positive impact on engine life.     

The Effect of Spherical Silica Powder on the Tribological Behavior of Phenolic Resin–Based Friction Materials

The friction and wear behavior of friction materials filled with irregular silica, spherical silica and surface-treated spherical silica particles is discussed in this paper. Compared to irregular silica, spherical silica powders improve the wear resistance, but decrease the friction coefficient. Surface-treated spherical silica powder is more effective in the improvement in the wear resistance, but with the similar friction coefficient of irregular silica-filled materials. This makes it possible to be used as friction-improving fillers in brake materials. Mechanisms for the improvement are also discussed in this paper.     

Effect of Melting and Microstructure on the Microscale Friction of Silver–Bismuth Alloys

This article reports an investigation of the effect of melting and microstructure on the microscale friction of several silver–bismuth alloys using a high-temperature nanoindentation-tribotesting system. These studies showed that friction increases with temperature before melting. We modeled these results as due to the softening of the alloys with increasing temperature, which appears to adequately explain the experimental trend. The friction behavior upon melting depends on the alloy composition. For some alloy composition, friction was observed to exhibit a sharp decrease upon melting, while for another alloy composition, friction was observed to keep increasing with temperature. This unusual behavior can be explained by the difference in microstructure and phase composition as a function of temperature among different Ag–Bi alloys.     

Effect of Particle Size on Tribological Behavior of Rice Husk Ash–Reinforced Aluminum Alloy (AlSi10Mg) Matrix Composites

Rice husk ash of three different particle size ranges (50–75, 75–100 and 100–150 μm) a 3, 6, 9, and 12% by weight is reinforced with an aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg) using the liquid metallurgy method. The dry sliding wear behavior of the composites in the cast conditions is examined using the pin-on-disc tribotesting machine for three different loads (20, 30, and 40 N) with three different sliding velocities (2, 3, and 4 m/s). The results reveal that the composite reinforced with the coarse rice husk ash particles exhibits superior wear resistance compared to the fine rice husk ash particles. The wear rate of the composite decreased with an increase in the weight percentage of rice husk ash particles for all size ranges. Finally, the wear mechanism was investigated with the worn surface using a scanning electron microscope.     

Dry-Sliding Tribological Properties of Bronze–Graphite Composites

Bronze-uncoated and nickel-coated graphite composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy route. The tribological behaviors of composites sliding against AISI52100 steel ball under dry sliding condition were studied using a ball-on-disk tribometer. The nickel-coated graphite composites showed much better tribological properties in comparison with bronze and uncoated graphite composite. The friction coefficient of nickel-coated graphite composites decreased with increasing nickel-coated graphite content. However, the specific wear rate increased with the increase in nickel-coated graphite. The composite containing 15?wt% nickel-coated graphite showed the best self-lubricating properties because the compacted and stable mechanical mixed layer was formed on the worn surfaces. The wear mechanism of bronze 663 is adhesive wear and abrasive wear. The uncoated nickel-coated graphite composite shows the adhesive wear and delamination characteristics. However, the wear mechanism of nickel-coated composites is mildly abrasive wear.     

Tribological Enhancement of Aluminum by Porous Anodic Films Containing Solid Lubricants of MoS2 Precursors©

Porous anodic films containing molybdenum disulfide precursors were developed for self-lubricating purposes on aluminum by an initial anodizing and a subsequent re-anodizing process. The self-lubricating films were then examined with respect to the morphology, microstructure, and composition of the anodic film material and the lubricant, using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. The dry sliding wear of aluminum supporting such self-lubricating films was significantly reduced, as a result of greatly reduced coefficients of friction. The enhanced lubricity, due to the MoS₂ precursors contained within the porous anodic film, leads to wear mode changes from severe abrasive and adhesive wear for uncoated aluminum, to a mild film fatigue wear, for aluminum supporting the self-lubricating anodic films. The wear mechanism change is suggested by the wear and friction curves, as well as confirmed by wear track morphology.     

Tribological Behavior of Micrometer- and Submicrometer-Size Cenosphere Particulate-Filled Glass Fiber–Reinforced Vinylester Composites Under Dry and Water-Lubricated Sliding Conditions

In this work, the tribological behavior of micrometer and submicrometer cenosphere particulate–filled E-glass fiber–reinforced vinylester composites have been investigated on a pin-on-disc tester under dry sliding and water-lubricated sliding conditions. Three different uniform sizes of cenosphere particles (2 μm, 900 nm, 400 nm) were used as fillers in the glass fiber–reinforced vinylester composites. The weight fraction of cenosphere particles has been varied in the ranges from 5, 10, 15, to 20 wt%. The experimental results show that all of the composites exhibited lower coefficient of friction and lower wear resistance under water-lubricated sliding conditions than under dry sliding. It has been noted that the submicrometer size (400 nm) cenosphere particulates as fillers contributed significantly to improve the wear resistance. It has also been noted that 10 wt% of the cenosphere particles is the most effective in reducing the wear rate and coefficient of friction. Effects of various wear parameters such as applied normal loads, sliding speeds, particle size, and particle content on the tribological behavior were also discussed. In order to understand the wear mechanism, the morphologies of the worn surface were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for composite specimens under both dry and water-lubricated sliding conditions.     

Tribological Performance of Ti–Si-Based in Situ Composites

In this study, a series of Ti–Si-based in situ composites was manufactured by means of a common argon arc melting technique and tribologically evaluated using a sliding ball-on-disc tester under simulated body fluid lubrication. The composite microstructure, mechanical properties, and surface roughness were characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vertical scanning interferometry (VSI), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and hardness measurements. The evolution of coefficients of friction (COFs) and the appearance of contacting surfaces showed that two the principal wear mechanisms were mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), typically followed by abrasive wear. The mixed EHL was due to the combined effect of serum solution lubrication and surface irregularities, which were produced during the routine surface preparation of samples. The mixed EHL provided the absence of wear and low and stable COFs, which did not depend on the phase composition, microstructure, or hardness of Ti–Si-based alloys. However, in most cases, the change in contact geometry led to the transition from mixed EHL to conventional boundary lubrication, accompanied by increased and unstable friction, adhesive material transfer of metal to the ceramic counterbodies, and abrasive wear. In this respect, the low wear resistance and high adhesion affinity of the titanium matrix of Ti–Si-based alloys should be improved.     

Tribological Properties of Self-Lubricating Polymer–Steel Laminated Composites

Self-lubricating polymer–steel laminated composites (SLC) consisting of matrix zones and filled zones were fabricated by a laminating–bonding process. The matrix zones were silicon steel sheets and the filled zones were polymer matrix filled with MoS₂ and graphite, respectively. The control specimen was prepared by spraying a polymer composite coating on a GCr15 disc. The tribological properties of SLC were investigated using a ball-on-disc tribometer under different loads and frequencies. Compared to the control specimen, the friction coefficient and wear rate of SLC was reduced by 57% and threefold at 4 N and 6 Hz, respectively. In addition, the friction coefficient of SLC was low and stable under low reciprocating frequency, and it was high and fluctuating under high reciprocating frequency. In addition, the wear rate increased with increasing applied load and reciprocating frequency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the lubricating mechanism of SLC was that solid lubricants embedded in filled zones expanded and smeared a layer of transfer film on the sliding path to lubricate the surface. The thermal expansion of solid lubricants was simulated using ANSYS software with thermal-stress coupling. The simulation results showed the maximum temperature of the filled zones was 130°C, and the maximum normal displacement of solid lubricants was approximately 10 μm. This confirmed that the solid lubricants expanded effectively by the aid of frictional heat.     

High Temperature Tribological Characteristics of Fe–Mo-based Self-Lubricating Composites

Fe–Mo-based self-lubricating composites were prepared by a powder metallurgical hot-pressing method. The tribological properties of Fe–Mo-based composites with varied CaF₂ contents at high temperature were evaluated, and the effect of glaze films on the friction and wear characteristics of composites were analyzed. The results show that the introduction of CaF₂ into Fe–Mo alloys improved the mechanical properties, and the best tribological properties of Fe–Mo–CaF₂ composites were achieved at the CaF₂ content of 8 wt% at both room temperature and 600 °C. The worn surface of Fe–Mo–CaF₂ composite at 600 °C is characterized to plastic deformation and slight scuffing, and the improved tribological properties are attributed to the formation of lubricious glaze film that composed of high-temperature lubricants CaMoO₄ and CaF₂ on the worn surface of the composites.     

Effect of Operating Conditions on Tribological Response of Al–Al Sliding Electrical Interface

Aluminum is widely used in electrical contacts due to its electrical properties and inexpensiveness when compared to copper. In this study, we investigate the influence of operating conditions like contact load (pressure), sliding speed, current, and surface roughness on the electrical and tribological behavior of the interface. The tests are conducted on a linear, pin-on-flat tribo-simulator specially designed to investigate electrical contacts under high contact pressures and high current densities. Control parameters include sliding speed, load, current, and surface roughness. The response of the interface is evaluated in the light of coefficient of friction, contact resistance, contact voltage, mass loss of pins, and interfacial temperature rise. As compared to sliding speed, load, and roughness, current is found to have the greatest influence on the various measured parameters. Under certain test conditions, the interface operates in a “voltage saturation” regime, wherein increase in current do not result in any increase in contact voltage. Within the voltage saturation regime the coefficient of friction tends to be lower, a result that is attributed to the higher temperatures associated with the higher voltage (and resulting material softening). Higher interfacial temperatures also appear to be responsible for the higher wear rates observed at higher current levels as well as lower coefficients of friction for smoother surfaces in the presence of current.     

Effect of Aramid Pulp and Lapinas Fiber on the Friction and Wear Behavior of NBR Powder–Modified Phenolic Resin Composite

Short fiber reinforcement plays a definite role in governing the performance of a composite through the improvement of different material properties. The present investigation deals with the effect of aramid pulp and lapinas fiber on the friction and wear characteristics of a composite made from phenolic resin modified by powdered acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) on a pin-on-disc tribometer. Four composites, containing 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% of aramid pulp with respect to phenolic resin content, were prepared. Another four composites, containing 50, 100, 200, and 300 wt% of lapinas fiber with respect to phenolic resin content, were also made. It was found that the two different fibers have distinctly different contributions to the friction and wear properties of the composites. It was also found that the incorporation of aramid pulp enhances friction stability of the composites much better than that of lapinas fiber. The change in surface morphology of these composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after the friction test. SEM images of friction samples containing aramid pulp corroborated the occurrence of wear through an adhesive wear mechanism, whereas the lapinas fiber–containing composites showed an abrasive wear mechanism.     

Novel Design of Copper–Graphite Self-Lubricating Composites for Reliability Improvement Based on 3D Network Structures of Copper Matrix

This paper proposes a new strategy to design the copper–graphite self-lubricating composites (CGSCs) for dynamic sealing applications. The relationships among structural parameters, mechanical and tribological properties of CGSCs were investigated. Results showed that the composites with a 3D network structure presented superior comprehensive mechanical performance; the bending strength, fracture toughness and impact toughness can reach 352 MPa, 9.6 MPa m^1/2 and 9.2 J cm^?2, respectively, which are 1.4, 1.7 and 5.8 higher than conventional Cu663–graphite composite. This new strategy was based on a combination of the large plastic deformation of the copper 3D network, and considerable crack deflection includes by spherical graphite particles in fracture. Meanwhile, this novel design shows the perfect combination of the mechanical reliability and self-lubricated ability. The 3D-CGSCs exhibit more excellent tribological properties when sliding against AISI 52100 bearing steel under dry condition at room temperature. The friction coefficient and wear rate are stable and with low value under a wide range of loads and reciprocating frequencies, and it possesses good anti-friction capability over a long sliding distance (3 km).     

Tribological Properties and Wear Mechanisms of NiCr–Al2O3–SrSO4–Ag Self-Lubricating Composites at Elevated Temperatures

NiCr–Al₂O₃–SrSO₄–Ag self-lubricating composites were prepared by powder metallurgy method and the tribological properties of composites were evaluated by a ball-on-disk tribometer against alumina ball at wide temperature range from the room temperature to 1,000 °C in air. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion was evaluated for investigation of thermal stability of composites. The tribo-chemical reaction films formed on the rubbing surfaces and their effects on the tribological properties of composites at different temperatures were addressed according to the surface characterization by SEM, XRD, and XPS. The results show that the NiCr–Al₂O₃ composite with addition of 10 wt% SrSO₄ and 10 wt% Ag exhibits satisfying friction and wear properties over the entire temperature range from room temperature to 1,000 °C. The composition of the tribo-layers on the worn surfaces of the composites is varied at different temperatures. The synergistic lubricating effect of SrAl₄O₇, Ag, and NiCr₂O₄ lubricating films formed on worn surfaces were identified to reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate from room temperature to 800 °C. Meanwhile, at 1,000 °C, the SrCrO₄ and NiAl₂O₄ was formed on the worn surfaces during sliding process, combining with the NiCr₂O₄, Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃, Ag, and Ag₂O, which play an important role in the formation of a continuous lubricating film on the sliding surface.     

Effect of Magnetic Field Dynamics on the Copper‐Constantan Thermocouple Performance

Abstract

This paper presents some results of experimental research addressing the influence of magnetic field dynamics on the copper‐constantan thermocouple performance. There are challenges in measuring temperature by thermocouples in a time‐dependent magnetic field. Although there is considerable experience on the effect of a static magnetic field, there is a lack of awareness of the outcome of a varying field on thermocouple performance. We measured the accuracy of the thermocouple response in an alternating magnetic field for various operational parameters: frequency of the magnetic field, geometry, and length of the thermocouple wire in the field, and magnetic field strength. The effect of each of the operational parameters is discussed. Test results of temperature profile measure by a copper‐constantan thermocouple in a varying magnetic field system that was used in a room temperature magnetic refrigeration test bed are demonstrated.     

Arc Evaporation of Ti–Al–Ta–N Coatings: The Effect of Bias Voltage and Ta on High-temperature Tribological Properties

Recently, titanium aluminium tantalum nitride (Ti–Al–Ta–N) coatings have been shown to exhibit beneficial properties for cutting applications. However, the reason for the improved behaviour of these coatings in comparison to unalloyed Ti–Al–N is not yet clear. Here, we report on the tribological mechanisms present in the temperature range between 25 and 900 °C for this coating system, and in particular on the effect of the bias voltage during deposition on the tribological response. Based on these results, we provide an explanation for the improved performance of Ta-alloyed coatings. An industrial-scale cathodic arc evaporation facility was used to deposit the coatings from powder metallurgically produced Ti₄₀Al₆₀ and Ti₃₈Al₅₇Ta₅ targets at bias voltages ranging from −40 to −160 V. X-ray diffraction experiments displayed a change with increasing bias voltage from a dual-phase structure containing cubic and hexagonal phases to a single-phase cubic structure. Investigations of the wear behaviour at various temperatures showed different controlling effects in the respective temperature ranges. The results of dry sliding tests at room temperature were independent of bias voltage and Ta-alloying, where the atmosphere, i.e. moisture and oxygen, were the most important parameters during the test. At 500 °C, bias and droplet-generated surface roughness were identified to determine the tribological behaviour. At 700 and 900 °C, wear depended on the coating’s resistance to oxidation, which was also influenced by the bias voltage. In conclusion, Ta-alloyed coatings show a significantly higher resistance to oxidation than unalloyed Ti–Al–N which could be an important reason for the improved performance in cutting operations.