Tribo-Surface Variation Caused by Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 Particles-Containing Lubricant under Cyclic Impact Loading

Abstract

Mn+1AXn (MAX) phase materials present an attractive potential for friction reduction and wear resistance applications due to the ternary layered structure. This work was done to investigate how the combination of Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2 MAX phase particles with zinc dialkyl dithiophosp (ZDDP) additives in the lubricant affected the tribo-surface by means of a reciprocating test rig with cyclic impact loading. The results indicated that the friction and wear properties of Ti3AlC2-containing lubricant were better than those of Ti2AlC-containing lubricant. The distinctive microstructure of worn surface caused by the Ti3AlC2 particles was characterized by the uniform distribution of many fine scratches, while the other was distributed with more peeling pits by the Ti2AlC particles. The tribo-chemical reaction of ZDDP involving Ti3AlC2 particles promoted a larger regional distribution of the tribofilm and the generation of short-chain phosphates. The synergistic effect of Ti3AlC2 particles and ZDDP additives led to excellent tribological properties.