Tribophysical Properties of Polycrystalline Bulk Ti3AlC2

A nearly pure, dense, polycrystalline bulk Ti₃AlC₂ sample was prepared by reactively hot pressing the element titanium, aluminum, and graphite powders. The tribophysical properties were investigated by sliding a Ti₃AlC₂ block dryly against a low-carbon steel disk. It was found that the friction coefficient is as low as ∼0.1, and the wear rate of Ti₃AlC₂ is only ∼2.5 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m for the highest sliding speed of 60 m/s and the largest normal pressure of 0.8 MPa. These unusual properties are attributable to the presence of a compact self-generating film, which covers uniformly over the friction surface of Ti₃AlC₂ with a thickness of ∼0.5 μm.