Self-lubricating Behaviors of Infiltration-type TiC/FeCrWMoV Metal Ceramics at High Temperature

A new type high temperature self-lubrication TiC/FeCrWMoV metal ceramics with an interpenetrating network was fabricated successfully by applying an innovating technology.A self-made vacuum high pressure infiltration furnace was used to infiltrate the metal ceramic preforms with molten soft metal lubricants.Friction and wear behaviors of the composites were investigated using XP-5 type high temperature friction and wear tester.Images and structures of worn surfaces were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive X-ray(EDAX) analysis and X-ray diffractometry(XRD).Self-lubrication mechanisms of the composites were discussed.The experimental results indicated that during elevated temperature sliding,solid lubricants were squeezed out of micro-pores to the frictional surfaces to form PbMoO_4、PbO、SnWO_4、Ag_2WO_4 and Ag_3Sn.Formation of lubrication film containing these oxides and intermetallic compounds were the main reason that the composites had good self-lubrication properties at high temperature.It is considered that the micro-pores on the friction surface would be the crucial factors determining the self-lubricating properties. The addition of silver can facilitate the breaking and moving of the wear debris hold on the friction surface,and thus to preserve the open pores at the surface and further supply the lubricant to the contact surface.