Tribological behavior of Ti3SiC2/(WC–10Co) composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

The dry sliding friction and wear behavior of Ti3SiC2/(WC–10Co) composites (TWCs) against GCr15 steel pair at room temperature was investigated through the determination of friction coefficient and wear rate under different conditions and the analysis of the morphologies and compositions of wear debris, worn surfaces of TWC and GCr15 steel. The friction coefficients of TWC with 3 wt.% WC–10Co were in the range of 0.40–0.48, and the wear rate varied from 0.6 × 10−4 mm3 (N m)−1 to 1 × 10−4 mm3 (N m)−1. At the load of 10 N and sliding speed of 0.353 m/s, the glazes were formed on the worn surfaces of TWC. The wear mechanisms were complicated, including micro-cutting and abrasive wear of TWC, oxidation wear of GCr15 steel, as well as adhesive wear caused by the glaze flaking.

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► Ti3SiC2/(WC–10Co) composites (TWCs) were prepared by spark plasma sintering.
► Dry sliding friction and wear behaviors of TWC were investigated.
► TWC with 3 wt.% WC–10Co exhibited relatively good tribological properties.
► At the condition of 0.353 m/s–10 N, the glazes were formed on the worn surfaces.
► Main wear mechanisms varied from abrasive wear to the synergistic wear effects.