High Temperature Wear of Ti3AlC2 Sliding against Al2O3
Bulk Ti3AlC2 was prepared via hot pressing TiC, Ti and Al powders in vacuum. The sliding wear of Ti3AlC2 against Al2O3 at room temperature up to 800°C was investigated on a SRV-IV oscillating friction and wear tester. Reduced wear and wear transition of Ti3AlC2/Al2O3 tribo-couple were found by increasing temperature. The worn surfaces of both Ti3AlC2 and Al2O3 were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. It was found that the severe wear of Ti3AlC2 and Al2O3 from room temperature to 200°C was related to mechanical wear, i.e. grain fracture and pullout of Ti3AlC2. At temperature higher than 400°C, the tribo-oxidation layer on the worn surface of Ti3AlC2 containing TiO2 and Al2O3 was beneficial for reducing wear of both Ti3AlC2 and Al2O3.