Comparison of mechanical and tribological properties of TiC–NiTi and TiC–[formula omitted]–NiTi coatings

Abstract

NiTi can be used as a metallic matrix of a cermet (a composite of ceramic and metallic materials) to increase its durability and resistance. On the other hand, the TiC and TiB2 are hard ceramic materials that can be used to increase the wear resistance of the composite to which they belong. This study compares the mechanical adherence, tribological and corrosion properties of a cermet that has TiC or TiC–TiB2 and NiTi as a matrix. The friction coefficient and the mass loss as a function of time were obtained from the tribological tests and compared for the two types of coatings. The coatings were produced by thermal spraying onto a steel substrate. The coatings containing TiB2 showed lower adhesion and higher wear rates than the TiC coatings. This pattern may be attributable to the degradation of the TiB2 during the thermal spray process.