Tribological Behavior Research Articles

The strengthening mechanism of mechanical and tribological properties of TiC-reinforced 316 L matrix composites fabricated by selective laser melting

Selective laser melting (SLM) has been proved to be a promising additive manufacturing technique to fabricate high-performance metal matrix composites (MMCs) with unique microstructures. In this study, TiC-reinforced 316L MMCs were successfully prepared by SLM. The effects of TiC addition on the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and tribological behavior were systematically investigated to study the strengthening mechanism. The TiC/316L MMCs fabricated by SLM exhibited a high relative density of over 99.6% and were close to full density. The TiC particles are effectively bonded with the 316L matrix, serving as a means of dispersion strengthening. In addition, the grains were significantly refined, and the dislocation density was greatly enhanced with the addition of TiC particles, which reinforce the strength of the material. Tensile tests show that the tensile strength of TiC/316L MMCs increased by 49.9% from 707 to 1060MPa and yield strength increased by 44.2% from 543 to 783MPa with 4wt.% TiC. Besides, the tribological behavior of TiC/316L MMCs was much superior to the pure 316L. The findings provide a new perspective on ceramic particles reinforced stainless steel MMCs with tailored microstructure and excellence performance.

Numerical and experimental validation of tribological phenomenon in wind turbine brake pads using novel Archard's wear coefficient

Designing effective mechanical brakes for wind turbines has been hindered by the historical reliance on simplistic criteria such as wear rate and friction coefficient for material selection. In this study, a novel approach to predicting wear rate was proposed, utilizing Archard's wear coefficient and considering factors such as material composition, hardness, sliding distance, and axial load. Furthermore, we developed a numerical model to simulate the tribological behavior of wind turbine brake pads, integrating the novel wear coefficient derived from a hybrid mathematical model with cubic and radial basis functions. This comprehensive approach bridges the gap between experimental data and theoretical insights, offering a robust framework for optimizing brake pad design and performance.

Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Nitrided AISI/SAE 4340 Steel Coated with NiP and AlCrN

In this study, novel surface engineering strategies to improve the wear performance of AISI 4340 were investigated. The strategies were as follows: (i) NiP deposition on a previously nitrided steel substrate, followed by NiP interdiffusion heat treatment at either 400 °C or 610 °C (referred to as duplex treatment); (ii) the deposition of AlCrN PVD coating on NiP layers on a previously nitrided steel substrate (referred to as triplex treatment). Prior to the deposition of AlCrN, the NiP was subjected to the interdiffusion heat treatment at either 400 °C or 610 °C. These strategies were compared with the performance of the AlCrN coating directly applied on nitrided steel. To characterize the microstructural features of each layer, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were conducted. We also carried out mechanical and tribological behavior assessments. The tribological tests were carried out using a ball-on-disc tribometer under a constant load of 20 N and a tangential speed of 25 cm/s; cemented carbide spheres with a diameter of 6 mm were the counterpart body. The friction coefficient was continuously monitored throughout the tests. The results reveal that the wear mechanism for the AlCrN coating is predominantly oxidative. The most wear-resistant surface architecture was the one comprising AlCrN over the NiP layer subjected to interdiffusion heat treatment at either 400 °C or 610 °C.

Effect of Zonal Laser Texturing on Friction Reduction of Steel Elements in Lubricated Reciprocating Motion

During co-action between contact elements in reciprocating motion, different working conditions exist in outer and inner zones of stationary elements. Because the tribological effects of surface texturing depend on the operating conditions, various dimple patterns were created in the middle part of the steel disc and near the reversal points. The behaviors of variable dimple patterns were compared with those of uniform texturing and untexturing. It was found that the dimple patterns in the middle disc zone depended on the resistance to motion. The best tribological behavior was obtained for a pit area ratio of 13% and diameter of 0.4 mm in the inner zone, and pit area ratio of 3% and diameter of 0.2 mm in the outer zones. Low resistance to motion and the smallest friction variation of all tested sliding pairs were achieved. For the same pit area ratio of 13% in a disc of 0.4 mm, the dimple diameter behaved better than in the 0.2 mm diameter disc. The greatest decrease in the coefficient of friction of 85% compared to untextured sliding pair was achieved for uniform laser texturing with a pit area ratio of 13% and dimple diameter of 0.4 mm, when the normal load was 40 N and frequency of displacement was 20 Hz.

Investigation of High-Speed Rubbing Behavior of GH4169 Superalloy with SiC/SiC Composites

The silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC), ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and nickel-based superalloy GH4169 can be utilized in high-temperature applications due to their high-temperature performance. The SiC/SiC composites are commonly used in turbine outer rings, where they encounter friction and wear against the turbine blades. This high-speed rubbing occurs frequently in aircraft engines and steam turbines. To investigate the tribological behavior of these materials, rubbing experiments were conducted between the SiC/SiC and the GH4169 superalloy. The experiments involved varying the blade tip speeds ranging from 100 m/s to 350 m/s and incursion rates from 5 μm/s to 50 μm/s at room temperature. Additionally, experiments were conducted at high temperatures to compare the tribological behavior under ambient conditions. The results indicated that the GH4169 superalloy exhibited abrasive furrow wear during rubbing at both room temperature and high temperature. Furthermore, at elevated temperatures, some of the GH4169 superalloy adhered to the surface of the SiC/SiC. The analysis of the experiments conducted at ambient temperatures revealed that the friction coefficient increased with higher blade tip velocities (100~350 m/s). However, the coefficient was lower at high temperatures compared to room temperature. Furthermore, significant temperature increases were observed during rubbing at room temperature, whereas minimal temperature changes were detected on the rubbing surface at high temperatures.

Effect of CeO2 Nanoparticles Addition on Tribological Behavior of Austenitic Ductile Iron

Effect of CeO2 Nanoparticles Addition on Tribological Behavior of Austenitic Ductile Iron

Tribological Behavior of Polydiethylsiloxane (PDES) in a Si3N4 and M50 System under Low Temperatures from −80 to 25 °C

Lubricants must exhibit good tribological behavior at low temperatures to ensure reliable startups in very cold regions. This study investigates the performance of lubricants, with a specific focus on their capacity for high-temperature lubrication and ensuring reliable low-temperature startup in engines. Experiments were conducted to assess the friction and wear characteristics of polydiethylsiloxane in conjunction with a Si3N4 ball and M50 (8Cr4Mo4V) steel across a temperature range of −80 °C to 25 °C. The results indicate that the coefficient of friction, as determined through friction and wear tests at various temperatures, remained below 0.1. As temperatures progressively decreased, the system’s friction coefficient increased, and wear volumes recorded at 25 °C and −60 °C were 9749.513 µm³ and 105.006 µm³, respectively, culminating in lubrication failure at −100 °C. This failure is primarily attributed to the increased viscosity and decreased mobility of polydiethylsiloxane at extremely low temperatures. Additionally, the reduced temperature increases the strength of the quenched steel, leading to hard particles or protrusions on the material’s surface, which collide with the Si3N4 ball during friction, causing adhesion and spalling. Despite this, polydiethylsiloxane forms a stable protective oil film on the surface, enhancing the system’s lubrication performance. However, below −80 °C, this oil film begins to tear, leading to diminished lubrication efficacy. This study provides valuable data supporting the field of cryogenic lubrication.

Eggshells Utilisation in Polymer Composites

The outer covering of a hard shelled egg is known as eggshell. These are obtained from various sources like egg stations, chicken hatcheries industries and homes in different weights. It is a kind of waste which is considered not be used anywhere. It can produce hydroxyapatite which is considered most effective component of bone. This can have applications in medical supplements, bone graft substitute, floor tiles and in cements in order to improve strength but here discussion is limited to polymer composite. In composite fabrication egg shell waste is utilized, as it not only enhances the strength of composite but also provides us solution for the proper disposal waste egg shell. This review paper presents the brief insight of utilization of egg shell waste in polymer composite so as to improve its strength. From this review paper it may be concluded that research on tribological behavior of egg shell is less so it can be implemented in different sectors like metal matrix composite etc.

Tribological Behavior of Friction Materials Containing Aluminum Anodizing Waste Obtained by Different Industrial Drying Processes

With sustainability dominating the industry, recycling the generated waste from different processes is becoming increasingly important. This study focuses on recycling waste generated during aluminum anodizing waste (AAW) in friction material formulations for automotive braking applications. However, before utilization, the waste needs to be pre-treated, which mainly involves drying. Hence, four different industrial drying methods were studied to dry the AAW, and the corresponding characteristics were observed by evaluating its residual humidity and crushability index. The waste powders were further characterized using FT-IR and SEM/EDXS to understand their constituents. The initial analysis showed that the waste subjected to the drying process P2 and P1 with the lowest final humidity fetched the most desirable results, with P1 having the simpler drying procedure. The AAW powders were added in a commercial friction material formulation at 6 and 12 wt.% and subjected to friction, wear, and non-exhaust particulate matter analysis. The worn surfaces were analyzed using SEM/EDXS evaluation to understand the extension and composition of the deposited secondary contact plateaus. It was seen that the 12 wt.% addition of waste processed using the P1 technique provided the most satisfactory friction, wear, and emission characteristics, along with expansive secondary contact plateaus with a good contribution of the waste in its formation. This study showed a good relationship between the processing method and a formulation’s tribological and emission characteristics, thereby paving the way for using this drying method for other waste requiring pre-treatment.

Clothing comfort sensing system based on triboelectric and tribological behavior of fabrics

Static electricity accumulated on fabrics often causes discharged discomfort, fire, explosion, and cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, the electricity can be harvested and used for self-powered wearable devices. Therefore, it is essential to regulate fabric triboelectricity through studying the relationship between friction coefficients and triboelectric charges. In this paper, a reciprocating tribometer coupled with triboelectric testing instruments is designed to collect in-situ tribological and triboelectric properties for laterally sliding fabric based triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs). In this case, the regulation factors involve motion conditions (including load, frequency, friction angle, etc.), surface components and environments. The results show that faster sliding speed and lower humidity produce higher triboelectric outputs of F-TENGs. Especially, amino groups modified silk shows an extremely strong electron-donating ability and achieves a high triboelectric current of 382.2 nA when paired with polyimide, which is enhanced by 1.67 times compared with silk. Most importantly, the friction coefficient values of F-TENGs show almost the same trend as the triboelectric outputs. Based on this, a sensing system for monitoring comfort level of fabrics is successfully designed through rubbing tested fabrics and observing indicator lamps. This work proposes a tribological approach with valuable insights of the underlying mechanism of triboelectric charging and extended applications.

Influence of humidity on the tribological performance of graphite reinforced aluminium anodic oxide coating

The effectiveness of graphite as self-lubricating reinforcement in anodic oxide is still unknown despite showing clear dependency towards water to provide lubrication. The objective of this study is to evaluate the tribological behavior of aluminium anodic oxide reinforced graphite coating under different relative humidity conditions. In this study, the oxide coating was reinforced with graphite varied between 0 to 20 gL−1. The graphite distribution, and structure hybridization were first analyzed. The coating with the highest sliding durability at room condition was tested under different relative humidity at 5 and 85 RH%. Overall, graphite reinforcement improved the coating’s hardness and roughness. Tribological wise, coating with 1 gL−1 of graphite reinforcement has the longest durability.

Effects of the Mesoporous Filler and Oleophilic Property on the Tribological Behavior of Polyetheretherketone Composites.

Porous composites, such as polyimide and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer composites, became more attractive as a result of excellent specific strength, lightweightness, and smart lubrication. However, revealing the influence of a porous filler on the friction behaviors of polymer composites remains a challenge. The current work examines the effects of the pore structure and wettability on the mechanical and tribological performances of polymer composites reinforced with fillers. Three kinds of particles (non-porous, porous, and oleophobic porous) act as fillers within PEEK, respectively. It was identified that adding porous zeolite particles into PEEK slightly decreased the mechanical property. The zeolite particles significantly increased the oil adsorption of the composite, leading to a significant increase in the friction coefficient at 10 wt % content. However, the friction coefficient of the PEEK composite filled with 20 wt % modified zeolite was relatively low as a result of the weak adsorption. The interface analyses indicated that the thickness of the oil film was controlled via porous structures, changing the lubrication regime of the tribopair. The reason is the appropriate adsorption of oil and the release of zeolite from the composites during the friction process. These results can offer technical guidance to control the friction behaviors of composites under oil-lubricating conditions by a porous particle and pore modification.

Dual-Function Hybrid Coatings Based on Polytetrafluoroethylene and Cu2O for Anti-Biocorrosion and Anti-Wear Applications

Corrosion and wear issues of motion components exposed to water-based corrosion mediums, e.g., naval vessels and oil extraction equipment, pose challenges for the lifespan and reliability of the motion systems. In this work, epoxy-based coatings modified with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles were prepared. The anti-corrosion performance of the coatings was comparatively investigated by electrical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel tests in sterile and sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) mediums. Moreover, the tribological behaviors of the coatings were examined under water lubrication conditions. Our results demonstrate that the epoxy coatings lower significantly the corrosion current density icorr and the charge transfer resistance of the electrical double layer Rct of the carbon steel substrate. Interestingly, the hybrid coatings filled with both PTFE and Cu2O exhibit excellent anti-corrosion and anti-wear performance. After being immersed in the SRB medium for 18 days, the icorr of the pure EP coating and hybrid coatings are 1.10 × 10−7 Amp/cm2 and 0.3 × 10−7 Amp/cm2, and the Rct values are 1.04 × 103 Ω·cm2 and 3.87 × 103 Ω·cm2, respectively. A solid tribofilm forms on the stainless steel counterface sliding against the hybrid coating, which is surmised to be essential for the low friction coefficients and wear. The present work paves a route for formulating the dual-function coatings of anti-biocorrosion and anti-wear.

Synergistic Effect of Acrylate of Dialkyl Dithiophosphoric Acid Combined with Molybdenum Dialkyl Dithiocarbamate as Additives in Gear Oil

With the aim of improving the tribological properties of low-viscosity gear oil for automobiles, an acrylate of dialkyl dithiophosphoric acid (ADDP) with strong polar groups was synthesized. The tribological behavior of ADDP combined with molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) in gear oil was systematically studied. Tribological performances of gear oil containing different additives were assessed using a four-ball friction and wear tester. The obtained tribological characteristics reveal that ADDP and MoDTC can significantly improve the antiwear and antifriction performance of low-viscosity gear oil. Moreover, compared with using MoDTC or ADDP alone, the average friction coefficient and wear scar diameter of ADDP combined with MoDTC further decreased by 2.41–19.15% and 5.00–18.19%, respectively. Analysis of the worn surface showed that the structural characteristics and physical synergistic lubricating actions of the ADDP with MoDTC additives during the friction process can contribute to the exceptional tribological properties of the hybrid additives.

The influence of laser texturing on the tribological behavior of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V in medical applications

This paper analyzes the tribological behavior of the Ti6Al4V ELI alloy subjected to laser texturization for medical purposes. Laser texturing enables one to observe specific patterns of the material surface at established depths. Microtexturing of the samples was performed using a 355 nm picosecond laser. The influence of the microtexturing process (depending on the process parameters) on the geometric parameters of the proposed laser texturing pattern was evaluated. Selected samples were subjected to tribological testing using the ball-on-plate technique in dry and lubricant-sliding methods (in Ringer solution). The wear properties were evaluated by comparing the coefficient friction, wear volumes, and wear ratio. A scanning electron microscope characterized the morphologies of the wear scar and the wear mechanism. The experimental results show that the surface texturing and the changes in microgrooves can reduce wear. The results indicate, that samples after laser texturing were characterized by 15% higher microhardness, compared to those in the initial state. It was found, a 26% reduction in friction coefficient and 29% in the wear volume compared to the smooth, untextured surface samples under lubricated conditions. The decrease in value of the coefficient friction and wear volume for the samples after the laser texturing process is an effect of synergistic of entrapped wear debris in micro-grooves and increased hardness for samples after laser textured.

The role of the damping component deformation in improving the tribological behavior at the high-speed train braking interface

Aiming to the issue of the unclear mechanism and lack of design basis for the influence of the deformation of the damping component installed in the brake pads of high-speed train, various perforated configurations were implemented on the damping component to obtain different typical deformation. The damping component was then installed on the back of the friction block and the tests on friction braking were performed using a test rig designed to assess high-speed train braking performance. A finite element model (FEM) was established for wear simulation to obtain block worn surfaces that closely matched the test results, succeeded by conducting both complex eigenvalue analysis (CEA) and implicit dynamic analysis (IDA). The findings indicate that the perforated configurations effectively provided damping components with different deformation capabilities, and increasing the deformation weakened its damping effect on vibration. The damping component deformation not only significantly affected the non-uniform wear on the block surface but also altered the wear patterns. Inappropriate deformation exacerbated the degree of non-uniform wear, leading to complex abrasive wear and adhesive wear, and added to the interface damage. Therefore, the damping component deformation significantly altered the friction-induced vibration and noise (FIVN) characteristics. Enhancing the deformation disrupted the continuity of FIVN but intensified its strength. The major reason is that the damping component deformation determined the time length of its compression and rebound, and inappropriate deformation significantly amplifying the oscillation intensity of contact area and friction force. This posed a challenge in establishing stable contact at the braking interface, ultimately leading to the generation of intense FIVN. Installation of damping components in brake pad to improve interface contact characteristics and suppress FIVN should carefully consider the structural of the braking system, and design damping components with appropriate deformation. Otherwise, it may lead to opposite effects.

Tribological behavior of alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2) plungers used in high pressure pumps

Ceramic materials are commonly used in plungers due to high resistance to wear, abrasion, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Also, they are commonly used in dry conditions without permanent damage, ceasing of pump head and better corrosion resistance than metals due to their inert characteristics. Zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic is used due to its high strength whereas, alumina (Al2O3) is commonly used in industries for high pressure pumps. The toughness of zirconia ceramics is higher than alumina ceramics as it overcomes the inherent brittleness of ceramic materials. It also has higher wear resistance and extends the life of the product. Whereas alumina has better mechanical characteristics such as hardness compared to Zirconia. In this research work tribological behavior of Alumina and Zirconia ceramics used in high pressure pumps have been studied. The wear test using end face wear testing apparatus has been conducted under flat contact for both alumina and ceramic material considering a mean contact pressure of 10 N, 20 N, 30 N and 40 N and sliding velocity of 40 mm/s. The wear test was conducted for 30 min considering a total sliding distance of 1500 m and 3000 m. The wear test results indicate that both alumina and ceramic exhibit lower wear factors and superior mechanical properties. The findings also reveal that the wear rates of Al2O3 and ZrO2 are influenced by friction forces, subsequently impacting the overall wear rate. Also, as the load increases the surface contact area also increases which in turn increases the wear rate. However, zirconia could be a potential substitute for alumina due to its high strength and fracture toughness.

Friction and wear performance of laser clad Mo modified Stellite 12 matrix coatings at elevated temperature

The aim of this research is to enhance the tribological performance of Stellite 12 coatings at room temperature-1000 °C. To this end, Mo modified Stellite 12 coatings were prepared on the Inconel 718 alloy by laser cladding, and the Mo content was optimized. The effects of Mo on the phases, microstructure and tribological behavior of coatings were investigated. The hardness and tribological performance of coatings were enhanced by adding Mo. There was a threshold content of Mo concerning with tribological performance of Stellite 12 matrix coatings. The 12.0 wt% Mo modified Stellite 12 coating kept more outstanding tribological performance, which was due to the high hardness, in-situ synthesized solid lubricants, friction film and the net structure of complex carbides.

Tribological characterisation of 6061 aluminium alloy reinforced with submicron alumina particle under solid lubrication at room temperature

The tribological behaviour of aluminium (Al) 6061 alloy reinforced with 20% submicron (0.7 µm) alumina (Al2O3) particles has been investigated at room temperature under solid lubricated conditions of graphite and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2). Pin-on-disc wear tests were carried out at various stresses, with the composite pin sliding against an AISI 4041 steel counterface disc. At room temperature and under low and moderate loads, graphite proved to be effective in reducing wear rate by a factor of 6 and coefficient of friction from 0.50 ± 0.01 to 0.20 ± 0.01. Under MoS2 lubrication, the wear rate and coefficient of friction were significantly reduced at all tested loads (5 to 110 N), indicating that MoS2 is an effective lubricant in reducing wear rate by a factor of 40 and coefficient of friction from 0.50 ± 0.01 to 0.06 ± 0.01 for the composite at all loads.

Influence of Residual Stress on Mechanical and Tribology Behaviors of Calcium-Phosphate Coating on Commercially Pure Titanium via Integrated Electrospinning and Rapid Heating and Cooling Process

Influence of Residual Stress on Mechanical and Tribology Behaviors of Calcium-Phosphate Coating on Commercially Pure Titanium via Integrated Electrospinning and Rapid Heating and Cooling Process