Friction and Wear Characteristics of Microporous Interface Filled with Mixed Lubricants of M50 Steel at Different Loads

Abstract

Improving the tribological performance of M50 steel under the conditions of wide load range is of great significance. In this study, the interfacial structure of surface micropores filled with Sn–Ag–Cu or Sn–Ag–Cu/whisker carbon nanotubes (whiskerCNT) of M50 material was prepared by laser additive manufacturing and high-temperature infiltration. From 2 to 22 N, the lubrication characteristics of Sn–Ag–Cu and whiskerCNT in surface micropores of M50 was investigated. Results indicate that Sn–Ag–Cu can precipitate to the worn surface and form a lubricating layer, which has a good lubricating effect. Moreover, the flow behavior of Sn–Ag–Cu on a worn surface can play the role of crack healing. At higher load, the strength of the lubricating film is enhanced by whiskerCNT, which renders the lubricating film not vulnerable to premature rupture.