Tribological properties of Ni3Al matrix composites with addition of silver and barium salt

• Complex solid lubricants Ag and barium salts can effectively improve the lubricating properties of Ni3Al.
• The low friction coefficient could be attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag and barium salts.

Ni3Al matrix composites with addition of silver and barium salt (BaCrO4, BaMoO4) were fabricated by powder metallurgy. It was found that from room temperature to 800 °C, Ni3Al matrix composite with addition of Ag and BaCrO4 offers the continuous lubrication properties, and its friction coefficient ranges from 0.29 to 0.38; Ni3Al matrix composite with addition of Ag and BaMoO4 also offers the favorable lubricating properties; the friction coefficient ranges from 0.28 to 0.35 in a wide temperature range. The low friction coefficient in a wide temperature range could be attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag and barium salts.