Study on tribological characteristics of Zr-based BMG via nanoscratch techniques

Abstract

This study aims at investigating tribological characteristics of zirconium-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) using nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques. The nanomechanical properties of Zr65Cu15Al10Ni10 (at. %, Zr-based BMG) are first assessed via nanoindentation tests and simulations. The tribological performance of Zr-based BMG under various scratch conditions are investigated via nanoscratch tests with multiple ramp and constant normal loads. It is found that coefficient of friction (COF) irregularly increases with normal load due to the formation of fracture and chipping, which play crucial roles on the frictional behaviors of Zr-based BMG. The critical load for fracture and chipping formation is identified for the considered test conditions. Wear mechanism of Zr-based BMG under nanoscratching are investigated by observing the morphologies of scratch tracks through scanning electron microscope (SEM). The findings of this study can be beneficial for tailoring the surface of Zr-based BMG by using micro-machining and patterning techniques.