Tribological properties of TiAl-Ag-ZnO self-lubricating composites from room temperature to 800 °C

Tribological properties and lubricating mechanisms of TiAl-Ag-ZnO self-lubricating composites (TAZ) against Al 2 O 3 ball are studied from room temperature (RT) to 800 °C under a constant load of 10 N and a constant speed of 0.2 m s −1 . It is found that TAZ obtains the lower friction coefficients and smaller wear rates, if compared with TiAl alloys (T). Solid lubricant Ag achieves a good lubricating effect by forming smooth Ag-rich lubricating film on the worn surfaces of TAZ bellow 400 °C. While from 600 to 800 °C, the formed ZnO-rich lubricating film on the worn surfaces is beneficial to improving the tribological performance of TAZ. It can draw a conclusion that TAZ obtains the excellent tribological properties over a wide temperature range because of the synergistic effect of Ag and ZnO.