Effect of the micro-structure evolution of friction layer on the sliding tribology behavior of TiAl-10 Wt.% Ag at 16 N-0.5 m/s

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the micro-structure evolution of friction layers to optimize the friction and wear behaviors of TiAl-based material. It further enlarges the scope of using TiAl alloys and increase in the service life of TiAl alloy-made mechanical components, especially under some extreme conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the structure evolution of friction layers, the HT-1000 tribometer is used to study the friction and wear properties of as-prepared samples. With the assistance of field emission scanning electron microscopy and an electron probe micro-analyzer, the stratified structures in cross-sections and a surface morphology of the wear scars are well characterized. A ST400 surface profiler helps in better understanding of the three-dimensional texture profiles of wear scars. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) is also used to analyze phases in the as-prepared samples.

Findings

An analysis method on the micro-structure evolution can provide better views to understand the influence of friction layers on the tribological behavior, at different wear stages. It finds that the micro-structure evolution of friction layers has an immediate effect on the friction coefficients and wear rates of TiAl-based material. It also proves to be a useful tool for evaluating the behaviors in friction and wear of TiAl-based material.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper provide better assistance to explore the effect of friction layers on the friction and wear behaviors of TiAl-based materials. The results help in deep understanding of the micro-structure evolution of friction layers. It also increases the service life of TiAl-based mechanical components.

Citation

Yang, K., Ma, H., Liu, X. and Zhang, Y. (2018), "Effect of the micro-structure evolution of friction layer on the sliding tribology behavior of TiAl-10 Wt.% Ag at 16 N-0.5 m/s", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 70 No. 9, pp. 1676-1683. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-09-2017-0249