TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF Ti-Si BASED IN SITU COMPOSITES UNDER SLIDING

Development of titanium matrix composites (TMCs) appeared to be an effective way to improve wear and friction properties of titanium, especially though the melting route approach. In this case, the reinforcements are formed during phase transformations, obtaining a good interfacial strength with the matrix. System Ti-Si enables to create in situ reinforced composites due to phase transformations occurring under solidification and subsequent cooling. Our previous studies showed an improved wear resistance for the hypoeutectic Ti-6Si-5Zr based alloy in comparison with commercial Ti-6Al-4V alloy under sliding. The object of present work was to evaluate tribological behavior of selected Ti-Si based in situ composites under lubricated sliding conditions using a commercial ball-on-disk rig. Measurements of the coefficients of friction and evaluation of the wear factors were performed along with examinations of the wear track appearances using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.