Effects of MoS2 and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on Tribological Behavior of TiAl Matrix Composite

The sliding velocities and applied loads are often varied to minimize friction and decrease mechanical energy dissipation in moving mechanical assemblies. In this study, TiAl matrix composites containing MoS2 and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are fabricated using spark plasma sintering. The testing conditions are chosen as 0.3 m/s-6.5 N; 0.5 m/s-11.4 N; and 0.7 m/s-16.3 N. The sliding tribological property of TiAl matrix composite containing MoS2 and MWCNTs (TMC-MM) is evaluated based on a ball-on-disk tribometer. The results show that the tribological performance of TMC-MM is excellent for the lower friction coefficient and less wear rate at 0.7 m/s-16.3 N. Massive MWCNTs are pulled out from TMC-MM at 0.7 m/s-16.3 N, and made to adhere to wear surface due to the existence of MoS2 with high adhesion property, resulting in the formation of smooth isolated island-like layer. It could protect the lubrication film formed on the worn surface, and be beneficial to the excellent tribological behavior of TMC-MM.