Space tribological properties of metal matrix space lubricant coating prepared on titanium surface

In order to improve space tribological properties of pure Ti substrate, Ti3Al/Ag metal matrix lubricant coating has been synthesized successfully on pure Ti substrate by laser cladding using Al and Ag powders as the precursor. The prepared Ti3Al/Ag metal matrix coating is mainly comprised of Ti3Al and Ag phases. Space tribology properties of the prepared Ti3Al/Ag metal matrix coating and pure Ti substrate were systematically evaluated in a simulated space environment such as high vacuum (VC), atomic oxygen (AO) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in comparison with those in an air environment through the space tribological test system. It has been found that in the simulated space environment Ti3Al/Ag metal matrix coating has good wear resistance and lower friction coefficient than the pure Ti substrate with relative lubricity.