Tribological performances of Ti(C,N)-based cermets with different graphite contents in dry sliding condition

Ti(C,N)-based cermets with different graphite (Gr) contents were prepared to solve the problem that the cermets self-mated couples suffer severe wear in dry sliding condition. The microstructure and mechanical properties of cermets with varying graphite contents were observed and evaluated, and the effects of graphite content on the tribological performances of the cermets self-mated rubbing pairs were investigated using a block-on-ring apparatus at room temperature. The results show that the distribution of graphite phase in cermets transforms from segregated floc-like to uniform granular with the increase of graphite content. The hardness and fracture toughness of the cermets self-lubricating materials rise firstly and then fall, whereas the transverse rupture strength decreases gradually with graphite adding. Compared with the cermet without graphite, the tribological properties of the cermets containing graphite are improved significantly. When the graphite addition reaches 0.8 wt%, the cermet exhibits the optimal wear resistance, which is attributed to the formation of a stable lubricating film composed of graphite and metal oxides (TiO2, MoO3, NiO) on the tribo-surface. Additionally, results reveal that the wear mechanism of cermets in dry condition is a complicated regime containing abrasion, adhesion and oxidation. After adding graphite, the adhesive wear of cermets is inhibited effectively, however the abrasive wear will be aggravated as the graphite content increases continuously.