Influence of graphite content on the dry sliding behavior of nickel alloy matrix solid lubricant composites

Solid lubricant materials are promising for high performance machines and mechanical systems. In this paper, the nickel alloy matrix solid lubricant composites containing Ag, BaF2/CaF2 and three different amounts of graphite were prepared by hot pressed sintering method. The tribotests were performed sliding against Si3N4 ball in air from room temperature to 800 °C. The effect of graphite content on the tribological behavior of the composites under high temperatures was studied. Micro-Raman, XRD and SEM analysis were used to analyze the morphologies and chemical composition of the worn surface and the wear mechanisms were also discussed.