Tribological Properties of Ti3SiC2 -Al2O3 Composite in Different Liquids

Ti3SiC2 and Ti3SiC2-Al2O3 composites were prepared by hot pressing in vacuum. The tribological properties of the two materials in sliding against a GCr15 steel ball in dry sliding, deionized water and ethanol were investigated. The two tribo-couples exhibited poor tribological properties in dry sliding and deionized water but good tribological properties in ethanol. The wear mechanisms of the two tribo-couples were controlled by unidirectional transfer from GCr15 steel ball to the worn surfaces of Ti3SiC2 and Ti3SiC2-Al2O3 composite as well as tribo-oxidation. Ti3SiC2-Al2O3 composite showed improved tribological property as compared with monolithic Ti3SiC2.