Tribological performance of Ni3Al-15 wt% Ti3SiC2 composites against Al2O3, Si3N4 and WC-6Co from 25 to 800 °C

Dry sliding tribological tests of Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites (NMSC) with addition of 15 wt% Ti3SiC2 are undertaken against Si3N4, Al2O3, WC-6Co at 25-800 degrees C. The results show that the tribological properties are strongly dependent on the counterface materials. NMSC against Si3N4 shows the lower friction coefficients (0.31-0.48) and wear rates (0.34-2.1 x 10(-5) mm(3) N-1 m(-1)) from 25 to 800 degrees C, while there is no clear difference in tribological performance of NMSC against Al2O3 or WC-6Co. NMSC against Si3N4 may be the optimal design for the excellently tribological performance. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.