Tribological performance of Ni3Al matrix composites with MoO3 tabular crystal under different sliding speed

Abstract

In order to study the tribological performance of Ni3Al matrix composites containing MoO3 tabular crystals (Ni3Al-MTCs) under different sliding speed, the friction and wear behaviors of Ni3Al-MTCs sliding against Si3N4 ball are tested using a constant load of 10 N at room temperature under 0.1–0.7 m/s. The effects of shear stress and different amount of friction heat on the wear mechanism of Ni3Al-MTCs under different sliding speed are studied. The results show that MoO3 tabular crystals are beneficial to the formation of friction layer with the increase of sliding speed, resulting in the excellent tribological properties of Ni3Al-MTCs. At 10N-0.7 m/s, higher friction heat at higher speed produces rich oxides on worn surface, which is beneficial to the formation of smoother and larger coverage of lubricating film with good antifriction property. In addition, lower shear stress acting on worn surface at higher speed brings the more stable friction layer with excellent wear resistant property, if compared to other working conditions. The results could be used to guide the selection of suitable working conditions and study the wear mechanisms of Ni3Al-MTCs for having excellent tribological performance during sliding process.