A Review of the Tribology of Nickel-Based Superalloys

This article provides a comprehensive review of the research progress in the tribology of nickel-based superalloys (NBS). First, the microstructure, friction, and wear characteristics of NBS are summarized. Second, the tribological features of NBS and the effects of environmental factors on tribological behavior and wear mechanism are elucidated. Third, the microstructure and the corresponding formation mechanism of the NBS tribolayers and the oxidation behavior during friction are analyzed. Fourth, the effect of tribolayer formation on the friction state and wear mechanism is discussed. Moreover, the application of existing finite element simulation technology in NBS friction and wear is reviewed. Finally, the strain-induced gradient structure (i.e., strengthening layer) is introduced, and the benefits of the gradient structure in the frictional process are analyzed in comparison with the coarse grain. According to these existing reports, future research should focus on elucidating the quantitative relationship between friction state and wear mechanism, investigating the design of wear-resistant NBS, and expanding its potential applications. These advancements provide a pathway for thoroughly elucidating NBS tribology and promoting the application of strengthening technologies. The exfoliation, oxidation, compaction, and sintering processes of surface materials significantly influence the wear mechanism and the tribolayer structure of nickel-based superalloys. Finite element simulation techniques have addressed some limitations of laboratory studies. Compared with the original structure, the gradient structure exhibits higher hardness and resistance to plastic deformation during friction and wear.image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH