Effect of Temperature on Tribological Properties and Wear Mechanisms of NiAl Matrix Self-Lubricating Composites Containing Graphene Nanoplatelets

Abstract

Studies have been carried out to explore the friction and wear behaviors of NiAl matrix self-lubricating composites containing graphene nanoplatelets (NG) against an Si₃N₄ ball from 100 to 600°C with a normal load of 10 N and a constant speed of 0.2 m/s. The results show that NG exhibits excellent tribological performance from 100 to 400°C compared to NiAl-based alloys. A possible explanation for this is that graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) contribute to the formation of a friction layer, which could be beneficial to the low friction coefficient and lower wear rate of NG. As the temperature increases up to 500°C, the beneficial effect of GNPs on the tribological performance of NG becomes invalid due to the oxidation of GNPs, resulting in severe adhesive wear and degradation of the friction layer on the worn surface of NG. GNPs could hold great potential applications as an effective solid lubricant to promote the formation of a friction layer and prevent severe sliding wear below 400°C.

KEY WORDS:

• Self-Lubricating Composites
• Solid Lubricant Additives
• Solid Lubrication Mechanisms
• Self Lubricated Wear

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank the Material Research and Testing Center of Wuhan University of Technology for their assistance.

Funding

This work was supported by the Project for Science and Technology Plan of Wuhan City (2013010501010139).