Dry sliding wear behavior of extruded titanium matrix composite reinforced by in situ TiB whisker and TiC particle

The dry sliding wear behavior of titanium matrix composite (TMC) reinforced by in situ TiB whisker and TiC particle was investigated. Compared to the unreinforced pure Ti matrix, the TMC exhibited a markedly improved wear resistance due to the existence of the ceramic reinforcements. The TMC showed lower friction coefficient than the pure Ti. The mean values of steady-state friction coefficient of the TMC and pure Ti against a tool steel were about 0.270-0.330 and 0.385-0.395, respectively, under the loads of 40-100 N. Meanwhile, the TMC showed lower weight loss and its surface wearing was less severe compared to that of the pure Ti. The worn surface of the TMC was covered with mild grooves and some fine wear debris, which exhibited the characteristic of both adhesive and abrasive. TiO₂ was found on the worn surface due to the oxidation behavior of the Ti matrix, which may reduce the wear tendency of the TMC. The results show that the in situ ceramic reinforcements could greatly increase the wear resistance of pure Ti.