Analysis of self-regulating tribological functions of the MgAl microchannels prepared in the Ti alloys

Self-regulating tribological behavior of the Ti-component is investigated by preparing MgAl (MA) microchannels to extend their application scope while retaining their longevity and high accuracy. Considering a ball-on-flat tribo-pair system, MA self-regulation improved the tribological behaviors of Ti-MA compared to that of Ti alloys. Notably, MA deformation fluidity, which was enhanced with spherical Al2O3 and multilayer graphene, enabled the excellent MA self-regulation, and improved Ti-MA-graphene and Ti-MA-Al2O3 tribological properties compared to Ti-MA. Al2O3 and graphene contributions significantly accelerated the MA deformation, and enhanced self-recovery of the interface and led to acquisition of favorable self-healing morphology for the excellent tribological self-regulation, among the laser additive manufacturing samples. The obtained results are helpful in evaluating tribological characteristics for commercial application and conceptualizing possible solutions.

Automated summary

The self-regulating tribological behavior of Ti-component using MA microchannels was investigated, showing improved tribological properties compared to Ti alloys. The contributions of Al2O3 and graphene significantly enhanced MA deformation and self-recovery, leading to favorable self-healing morphology for excellent tribological self-regulation in laser additive manufacturing samples.