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The performance of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surfaces was investigated in lubricated reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTT). Special emphasis was laid on the effect of surface nanostructures in area of contact on the respective friction and wear behaviour. These so-called laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) were produced on the titanium alloy surface upon scan processing in air by an ultrashort pulsed femtosecond (fs) laser. As lubricant served two types of base oils, a pure polyalcylene-glycol, and an SAE 0W30 oil containing only antioxidants and temperature stabilizers. Tribological tests were carried out on polished as well as LIPSS covered areas using both types of base oil. A test metrics was established, combining the additive 2-ethylhexyl-zincdithiophosphate (ZDDP) or the ionic liquid [P6,6,6,14] [DEHP] (98% purity) with the respective base oils. The test metrics also considered the orientation of motion with respect to the orientation of the structures formed on the surface. Results are presented which show that the interplay between LIPSS and the local chemistry formed by the respective additives is beneficial for the tribological behaviour of the titanium alloy. Certain combinations of base oil, additive and LIPSS reduced friction and wear significantly in the tribological contact.
The performance of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surfaces was investigated in lubricated reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTT). Special emphasis was laid on the effect of surface nanostructures in area of contact on the respective friction and wear behaviour. These so-called laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) were produced on the titanium alloy surface upon scan processing in air by an ultrashort pulsed femtosecond (fs) laser. As lubricant served two types of base oils, a pure polyalcylene-glycol, and an SAE 0W30 oil containing only antioxidants and temperature stabilizers. Tribological tests were carried out on polished as well as LIPSS covered areas using both types of base oil. A test metrics was established, combining the additive 2-ethylhexyl-zincdithiophosphate (ZDDP) or the ionic liquid [P6,6,6,14] [DEHP] (98% purity) with the respective base oils. The test metrics also considered the orientation of motion with respect to the orientation of the structures formed on the surface. Results are presented which show that the interplay between LIPSS and the local chemistry formed by the respective additives is beneficial for the tribological behaviour of the titanium alloy. Certain combinations of base oil, additive and LIPSS reduced friction and wear significantly in the tribological contact.
Safety and reliability are the major challenges to face for the development and acceptance of hydrogen technology. It is therefore crucial to study deeply material compatibility, in particular polymer materials that are directly in contact with hydrogen. This paper presents an experimental study on the fretting wear behavior of two types of cross-linked hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubbers against 316L steel ball in hydrogen environment. Furthermore, aging experiments were conducted for 7 days under static conditions in 100 MPa hydrogen. the influences of hydrogen pressure as well as the aging exposure on the fretting behavior are discussed by means of surface analyses along with the material properties.
In this study the so-called laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) were produced on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surfaces upon scan processing in air by a Ti:sapphire femtosecond (fs) laser. The tribological performance of the resulting surfaces was qualified in linear reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTT) against balls made of different materials (100Cr6 steel/Al2O3/Si3N4) using different oil-based lubricants. The admixture of the additive 2-ethylhexylzinc-dithiophosphate (ZDDP) to a base oil containing only anti-oxidants and temperature stabilizers disclosed the synergy of the additive with the laser-oxidized nanostructures. This interplay between the laser-textured sample topography and the local chemistry in the tribological contact area reduces friction and wear.
This lecture deals with the sliding behaviour of polymer composites in vacuum environment. At first, the effect of the polymer matrix and solid lubricants such as graphite and MoS2 are presented. The second part focusses on the influence of the residual pressure with experimental results obtained in high and ultrahigh vacuum.
This lecture deals with the sliding behaviour of polymer materials in hydrogen environment. After a short introduction of the hydrogen activities at BAM, the tribological performances of polymer materials in gaseous hydrogen are presented and compared with air and vacuum environment. The second part focusses on the influence of the counterface materials in hydrogen. Finally, the last section is dedicated to experiments liquid hydrogen.
This lecture deals with the friction and wear of polymeric materials at cryogenic temperatures. The first part is dedicated to the low temperature properties of polymers and cryogenic environment as well as an introduction to cryotribology and friction models. The second part presents some experimental results, focusing on the effect of polymer composition, cryogenic media and stick-slip behaviour.
The focus of this study is to evaluate of hydrogen on the friction and wear behavior of a wide range of polymer materials. Thereby, the tribological performance of filled and unfilled polymers from different suppliers were compared at room temperature in air and hydrogen gas (H2) as well as in liquid hydrogen at -253°C (LH2).
The accurate determination of wear volumes is a prerequisite for the study of numerous tribological phenomena. Wear volumes can be measured with different techniques or else be calculated starting from some quantities measured from the wear scar. Advantages and drawbacks of the measuring techniques are shown by means of wear scars and calottes resulting from ball-on-plane tests with 100Cr6 specimens. When measuring wear volumes, white light interferometry results to be one of the most suitable techniques. When wear volumes are calculated, errors result mainly from two sources: (1) the arbitrary choice of one or few line profiles for the determination of the width and of the planimetric wear, and (2) approximations in the calculation, which are even necessary when values of the wear volumes of the single tribological partners and not only the total volume are of interest. The effect of both error sources on the accuracy in the determination of wear volumes is characterized and elucidated by examples. It is found that errors due to approximations are negligible when compared to errors due to the arbitrary choice of one line profile.
Laser material processing is an emerging technology that generates surface functionalities on the basis of optical, mechanical, or chemical properties. In the form of laser surface texturing (LST), it has attracted a remarkable amount of research to tailor surface properties towards various tribological applications. The main advantages of this single-step, laser-based technology are the contactless machining, featuring a high flexibility, efficiency, and speed, along with the excellent quality of the processed products. LST can be applied precisely localized to sub-micrometric areas, but, via laser beam scanning, it is also feasible for structuring large surface areas at the square meter size.
This Special Issue focuses on the latest developments concerning the tribological performance of laser-generated periodic surface nano- and microstructures and their applications. This includes the laser-based processing of different surface patterns, such as “self-organized” laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples), grooves, micro-spikes, hierarchical hybrid nano-/micro-structures, microfeatures generated by direct laser interference patterning (DLIP), or even dimples or other topographic geometries shaped by direct laser modification or ablation. The applications of these periodically nano- and micro-patterned surfaces may improve the lubricated or non-lubricated tribological performance of surfaces in conformal and even non-conformal contact through a reduction of wear, a variation of the coefficient of friction, altered load carrying capacity, etc., resulting in energy saving, improved reliability, increased lifetimes as well as durability, leading in turn to extended maintenance intervals/reduced down-time. This can be beneficial in terms of bearings, gears, engines, seals, cutting tools, or other tribological components. Fundamental aspects addressed may involve the investigation of the relevant physical and chemical effects accompanying the laser-generated nano- and microscale topographies, such as alterations of the material structures, the hardness, superficial oxidation, the role of additives contained in lubricants, surface wettability, micro-hydrodynamic effects, etc.
For this Special Issue we aim to attract both academic and industrial researchers and would like to provide a bridge between research in the fields of tribology and laser material processing in order to foster the current knowledge and present new ideas for future applications and new technologies.
Ti-Al-Nb based intermetallic layers of sufficient quality and thickness were obtained by non-vacuum electron beam cladding on the surfaces of Ti workpieces. Optical microscopy and X-ray tomography did not reveal any dramatical defects in the structure of cladded layers. X-ray diffraction as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy were applied to thoroughly investigate the structure and phase composition of coatings. It was found that non-equilibrium cooling conditions of coatings provided by fast removal of heat to untreated Ti substrate after the electron beam cladding was terminated induced the proceeding of metastable phase transformations. For example, γ-phase formation was suppressed in these coatings. In coatings with 8 and 20 at.% Nb (46 and 43% Al respectively) along with ordered with α2, formation of disordered solution of the alloying elements in α-Ti took place. In high-Nb alloys β(B2) phase has undergone the diffusionless transformation to ω’, which is the intermediate phase in β → ω and the coating with the maximum Nb content characterized by appearance of γ1 as a main phase. ω-phase had negative influence to hardness and wear resistance of coatings, however, generally this paremeter increased in 1.3–1.75 times compared to cp-Ti. The high temperature creep and oxidation properties decreased proportionally with increasing Nb and decreasing Al content in the cladded layers.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) with ~500–700 nm period were produced on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surfaces upon scan processing in air by a Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser. The tribological performance of the surfaces were qualified in linear reciprocating sliding tribological tests against balls made of different materials using different oilbased lubricants. Extending our previous work, we studied the admixture of the additive 2-ethylhexyl-zinc-dithiophosphate to a base oil containing only anti-oxidants and temperature stabilizers. The presence of this additive along with the variation of the chemical composition of the counterbodies allows us to explore the synergy of the additive with the laseroxidized nanostructures.
Self-mated magnesia stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) ceramic sliding couples have been investigated at 100 N load (P0max= 1324 MPa) in oscillating sliding conditions in different humidity conditions in air and in hot steam. Temperatures have been varied up to 400 °C and pressures up to 6 bars. The results show that the wear behavior of MgO-ZrO2 under high Hertzian contact pressures is strongly dependent on temperature and is similar for both dry oscillating and oscillating in hot steam. However, although the evolution in wear rates on temperature is similar and the wear rates of MgO-ZrO2 plunged above 300 °C in hot steam and air by nearly three orders of magnitude, SEM micrographs revealed in hot steam at 400 °C smooth wear tracks. In contrast, hot steam enhanced the tribochemistry of self-mated alumina couples and reduced wear rates. Hot steam decreased the coefficients of friction of MgO-ZrO2 with increasing temperature, but not the wear rates.
The talk gives a historical introduction and introduces some of the biggest and most important research institutes in Germany dealing with tribology at Universities, scientific societies and companies. Some examples for research projects and focus areas are given. As an example for a research institute with a long history in tribological research the activities of BAM in Berlin are presented.
This chapter deals with the development of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based composites, optimized for low friction and low wear performance under extreme environments. It is demonstrated that the incorporation of a harder polymer component into PTFE (such as PEEK particles), a short fiber reinforcement (e.g. carbon fibers (CFs)) and internal lubricants (e.g. PTFE particles) helps to reduce the friction and to improve the wear resistance over a very wide temperature range.
The present work deals with Niobcarbid (NbC). Strategic reflections on tungsten carbide and more and more stringent toxicological restrictions for cobalt associated for both with spiraling stock market prices have attracted recently some attention for Niobium carbide as a substitute for tungsten carbide in machining.
The present paper illuminates the metallurgical progress on niobium carbide based hard metal developments, which are characterized by: a.) the substitution of cobalt binder by nickel, b.) the change from SPS to conventional sintering and c.) by switching from lab to pilot scale. The toughness was increased in the frame of these develop¬ments without loosening the hardness level. Stoichiometric and sub-stoichiometric, submicron NbC powders were used. The hardness-toughness profile of NbC grades match those of WC and cermet grades. Apart from the aforementioned parameters, the properties depend from the powder processing and sintering conditions. The functional profile of NbC and WC grades bonded by cobalt and nickel are benchmarked by 4-point bending strength, elastic moduli and hot hardness until 1000°C, dry sliding wear (T= 22/400°C; v= 0,1-10 m/s), abrasive wear (G65) and cutting performances under emulsion and coolant-free turning and milling against different alloys (C60, 100Cr6, 42CrMo4, X90CrMoV18, 300WA, GG35).
In the present work an approach is presented which combines various aspects of the former models with probability considerations. It is used to simulate the impact of more than one billion Alumina particles onto a steel substrate. This approach permits the simulation of an entire erosion experiment on an average PC within about six hours.
The aim of the study presented in this paper is to highlight the potential of niobium carbide cutting tool inserts for machining and to compare their performance to commercially available tungsten carbide inserts. In this work, a comparison between a conventional Wc-Co insert and NbC-Co inserts was carried out under hard machining conditions on specimens made of 100Cr6 bearing steel grade (SAE 52100).
The tribological characteristics of pure and graphite filled polymers were investigated in gaseous hydrogen at ambient temperatures and in LH2 at -253°C. It could be shown that the tribological properties of PI and PEEK materials is related to the formation of a transfer film. The influence of both hydrogen and cryogenic temperatures will be discussed in the presentation.
The tribological characteristics of pure and graphite filled polymers were investigated in gaseous hydrogen at ambient temperatures and in LH2 at -253°C. It could be shown that the tribological properties of PI and PEEK materials is related to the formation of a transfer film. The influence of both hydrogen and cryogenic temperatures will be discussed in the presentation.
The aim of this research is to characterize a surface that has experienced low wear on asperities. The procedure used is similar to an Abbott-Firestone approach and based on functional bearing of projected area, surface area and material volume. Surface features extracted from surface height maps provide more comprehensive information about topography changes due to wear. Thus, they were used to detect low wear volumes on the top of asperities.
The aim of this research is to characterize a surface that has experienced low wear on asperities. The procedure used is similar to an Abbott-Firestone approach and based on functional bearing of projected area, surface area and material volume. Surface features extracted from surface height maps provide more comprehensive information about topography changes due to wear. Thus, they were used to detect low wear volumes on the top of asperities.
The cause and type of solid particle erosion varies across different industries and locations in plants, for instance the particles could be volcanic ash in aero-engines, fly ash in boilers, exfoliated scale in steam turbines or mineral matter in oil excavation. In all cases the durability of materials can be improved through better surface engineering and coatings, but the development of these is restricted also due to lack of generic models. In this respect, the simulation of a single impact with finite element methods using 100.000 knots would take about 15 minutes. In order to simulate an entire particle erosion experiment, up to one billion of such impacts would have to be considered. In order to simulate an entire particle erosion experiment, the current work presents an alternative approach capable of calculating about half a billion impacts on a substrate in less than six hours on a standard PC. The predictions of the simulation will be compared to a steel sample at 600°C eroded by aluminum oxide particles with a velocity around 210 m/s.
The cause and type of solid particle erosion varies across different industries and locations in plants, for instance the particles could be volcanic ash in aero-engines, fly ash in boilers, exfoliated scale in steam turbines or mineral matter in oil excavation. In all cases the durability of materials can be improved through better surface engineering and coatings, but the development of these is restricted also due to lack of generic models. In this respect, the simulation of a single impact with finite element methods using 100.000 knots would take about 15 minutes. In order to simulate an entire particle erosion experiment, up to one billion of such impacts would have to be considered. In order to simulate an entire particle erosion experiment, the current work presents an alternative approach capable of calculating about half a billion impacts on a substrate in less than six hours on a standard PC. The predictions of the simulation will be compared to a steel sample at 600°C eroded by aluminum oxide particles with a velocity around 210 m/s.
Commercial grade-1 titanium samples (Ti, 99.5% purity) were treated using three alternative methods, i.e., fs-laser processing in air, thermal heat treatment in an oven, or anodization in an electrochemical bath, all resulting in the formation of differently conditioned superficial oxide layers. The laser processing was carried out by a Ti:sapphire laser (pulse duration 30 fs, central wavelength 790 nm, pulse repetition rate 1 kHz) in a regime of generating laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). The experimental conditions (laser fluence, spatial spot overlap) were optimized in a sample-scanning geometry for the processing of several square-millimetres large surface areas covered homogeneously by these nanostructures. The thermal processing in the oven was done at two different temperatures, while the electrochemical anodization was performed at room temperature, aiming to generate different polymorphs of titanium oxide at similar oxide layer thickness. The irradiated surface regions were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and micro Raman spectroscopy. The tribological performance of the differently treated titanium surfaces was characterized in the regime of mixed friction by reciprocating sliding tests against a sphere of hardened steel in un-additivated paraffin oil and fully formulated engine oil as lubricants. The specific tribological performance of the differently treated surfaces is discussed on the basis of possible physical and chemical mechanisms.
Niobium is today largely available. The initial NbC grade was substoichiometric, SPS sintered and cobalt bonded. The NiMo-bonded stoichiometric NbC1.0 grades enable the substitution of cobalt by nickel, SPS by conventional sintering and NbC0.88 by NbC1.0 in view of functional properties. Nickel bonded NbC grades have improved toughnesses versus cobalt NbC grades, but lose hardness. NiMo and NiMo2C bonded NbC1.0 grades compensated the loss in hardness while keeping the toughness.
Niobium is today largely available. The initial NbC grade was substoichiometric, SPS sintered and cobalt bonded (NbC0.88-12Co SPS). The NiMo-bonded stoichiometric NbC1.0 grades enable the subtituion of cobalt by nickel, SPS by conventional sintering and NbC0.88 by NbC1.0 in view of functional properties. Nickel bonded NbC grades have improved toughnesses versus cobalt bonded NbC grades, but lose hardness. NiMo and NiMo2C bonded NbC1.0 grades compensated the loss in hardness while keeping the toughness.
Microstructure and wear behavior of improved NbC cermets for (BS-1452) grey cast iron machining
(2017)
Tungsten carbide (WC) and cobalt (Co) based cermets are the most successful commercial cermets beacuse of the good combination of physical, mechanical and behavioral properties. Niobium carbide (NbC) has good mechanical and physical properties, such as high hardness, very high melting point and low density. SPS refined the NbC grains and increased the hardness, while substitution of Co with Ni improved the fracture toughness.
The differences between the binary phase diagrams W-C and Nb-C illuminate several parameters for tailoring the properties of NbC. In the region of homogeneity of NbCx, with Nb4C3 and Nb6C5 other Niobium carbide phases occur. Properties, like micro-hardness, hot hardness, sliding wear, elastic modules and toughness can be tailored by the C/Nb Ratio, secondary carbides and the type of binder. Supporting results from different grades with varying C/Nb ratio or binder types will be illuminated. Thus, the NbC system offers to producers a wider parameter window, than WC.
The friction and wear properties of polyetherimide composites under dry oscillating sliding condition at room temperature (RT) as well as at elevated temperature (120 °C) was investigated. The polymer specimens were made to oscillate against steel cylinder as a counterpart. The friction and wear properties of PEI and composites were strongly influenced by the temperature. In case of carbon fiber composite abrasive action of carbon fibers has severely damaged the counterpart and resulted in accelerated wear of the composite at RT. Solid lubricants filled (PTFE, MoS2, graphite) along with glass fiber is beneficial in improving the friction and wear performance of the PEI composite at RT, whereas at elevated temperature wear performance was deteriorated.
The influence of temperature and counterbody material on the tribological properties of a-C:H
coatings deposited on Cronidur 30 steel has been investigated in a lubricated ball on disk
contact situation with alpha-alumina and silicon nitride as counterbodies. The results show, that the wear volumes of the systems increase exponentially with increasing temperature, for alpha-alumina more than for silicon nitride. Two different wear mechanisms seem to have a
major influence: First, the abrasive action due to materials hardness and second, the tribo-oxidation when silicon nitride is counter material.
Hydraulic oils are well established formulations developed around the pump test. Requirements for energy efficiency and also environmentally acceptable properties increased the demand for development. In the same time, system pressure and the used of servo-hydraulic vanes increased bringing specific formulations and materials to their limit.
The vane pump is a key component in hydraulic systems and many other tribosystems in hydraulic circuits operate under different tribological operating conditions. The concept for ranking of hydraulic oils consists in using existing SRV-based ASTM test methods for evaluation of friction, wear and extreme pressure properties: D6425, friction and wear of oils (homologue to DIN 51834-2), D7421, extreme pressure properties of oils and D7755, wear volumes of ball and disks (homologue to DIN 51834-3. The tribological properties are assessed under the regime of mixed/boundary lubrication The SRV-based concept of tribological profile generates the wear volumes on two triboelements (specimen) and the extreme pressure properties as well as the evolution of friction in the wear and extreme pressure load step test. Thus, the benchmark and validation of hydraulic oils bear on a wider range of tribological properties. Round robin test results using the aforementioned testing concept will be shown. Another outcome is tribological set limits for inclusion in hydrau¬lic oil speci¬fications.
Substituting tungsten carbide (WC) as cutting tools and for wear protection by niobium carbide (NbC)
(2016)
As a refractory carbide, niobium carbide (NbC) is today still a forgotten carbide with hidden properties, such as wear resistance, thus qualifying NbC for the group of tribological materials with enhanced wear resistance. Several phases, like Nb₄C₃, Nb₆C₅ and other short and long range ordered phases occur In the region of homogeneity of NbCx (0,75≤ x ≤1.0) in the binary phase diagram, which enable the tailoring of properties and offers a much wider process window than known from WC. The type binder (Co, Ni, NiMo) and its concentration as well as the sintering process (SPS, liquid phase sintering) determine the box “hardness-toughness”, which will be illuminated based on more than 100 grades.
The impact of these tailored properties on sliding wear (T= 22/400°C; v= 0,1-10 m/s) and cutting performance will be illuminated by tribological and machining results. Cutting test results under emulsion and coolant-free operation of cobalt and Fe3Al bonded, straight NbC versus WC based inserts against different alloys (C60, 100Cr6, 42CrMo4, X90CrMoV18, 300WA, GG35) will be highlighted.
The process window and range of functional properties of NbC is wide, because micro-hardness, hot hardness, sliding wear resistance, elastic modulus and toughness can be tailored by the C/Nb ratio, because Nb4C3, Nb6C5 and other short and long range ordered phases occur in the region of homogeneity of NbCx (0,75≤ x ≤1.0) in the binary Phase diagram, and by the type of binder. Further improvements enable the addition of secondary carbides. Supporting results from literature and different grades with varying C/Nb ratio or binder types were illuminated. Thus, the NbC system offers to producers a wider process window, than WC. The impact of these tailored properties on sliding wear and cutting performance was illuminated by tribological and machining results. NbC can be synthesized by carbothermal conversion of Nb2O5 or be metallurgically grown in melts and leached out as coarse NbC cubes. NbC provides comparably lower friction in many relevant tribo-contacts and displays low wear. NbC and Nb2O5 have so far no REACH classification related to human toxicology and are not listed as substances of very high concern contrary to WO3 and Co3O4.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) were generated on titanium nitride (TiN) hardcoating surfaces (deposited on metallic substrates) upon irradiation with multiple linearly polarized femtosecond laser pulses in air (30 fs duration, 790 nm wavelength, 1 kHz pulse repetition rate). The conditions were optimized in a sample-scanning geometry for the processing of large surface areas (5 mm x 5 mm) covered homogeneously by nanostructures with sub-wavelength periods ranging between ~200 nm and 700 nm. For these nanostructures the coefficient of friction was characterized under reciprocating sliding condition against a ball of hardened steel at 1 Hz using different lubricants (regime of mixed friction). After 1000 cycles, the corresponding wear tracks were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. High-resolution energy dispersive X-ray analyzes (EDX) allowed the visualization of chemical alterations within the wear tracks. For specific conditions, the nanostructures endured the tribological treatment. Our experiments provide a qualification of the tribological performance of the fs-LIPSS on TiN surfaces.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) were generated on steel and titanium surfaces upon irradiation with multiple linear polarized femtosecond laser pulses (pulse duration 30 fs, central wavelength 790 nm). The experimental conditions (laser fluence, spatial spot overlap) were optimized in a sample-scanning geometry for the processing of large surface areas covered homogeneously by the nanostructures. The irradiated surface regions were subjected to optical microscopy (OM), white light interference microscopy (WLIM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealing sub-wavelength spatial periods. The nanostructured surfaces were tribologically tested under reciprocal sliding conditions against a sphere of hardened 100Cr6 steel at 1 Hz using paraffin oil and engine oil as lubricants. After 1000 sliding cycles at a load of 1.0 N, the corresponding wear tracks were characterized by OM and SEM. For specific conditions the laser-generated nanostructures endured the tribological treatment. Simultaneously, a significant reduction of the friction coefficient was observed in the laser-irradiated (LIPSS-covered) areas when compared to the non-irradiated surface, indicating the potential benefit of laser surface structuring for tribological applications.
Several phases, like Nb₄C₃, Nb₆C₅ and other short and long range ordered phases occur in the region of homogeneity of NbCₓ (0,75≤ x ≤1.0) in the binary phase diagram. Properties, like micro-hardness, hot hardness, sliding wear resistance, elastic modulus and toughness can be tailored by the C/Nb ratio, the addition of secondary carbides and the type of binder. Supporting results from different grades with varying C/Nb ratio or binder types were illuminated. Thus, the NbC system offers to producers a wider process window, than WC. The impact of These tailored properties on sliding wear and cutting performance was illuminated by tribological and machining results. Niobium is today largely available. NbC can be synthesized by carbothermal conversion of Nb₂O₅ or be metallurgically grown and leached out, provides comparably low friction in many relevant tribo-contacts and displays low wear. NbC and Nb₂O₅ have so far no REACH classification related to human toxicology and are not listed as substances of very high concern contrary to WO₃ and Co₃O₄.
In order to meet the goal of reducing CO2 emissions, automotive industry places significant importance on downsizing components to achieve greater efficiency through lower weight and reduced friction. As friction reductions are associated with energy efficiency and wear protection with resource conservation, ever greater attention has been given to adamantine carbon-
based coatings and high-alloyed steels. Such applications are, however, associated with high production costs and energy expenditures, as well as many technical difficulties. Therefore a key issue in meeting the goals of friction reduction, wear protection and development of comprehensive lightweight strategies is whether or not the functional profiles of state-of-the art alloys can be enhanced by affordable solutions.
The running-in phase of mechanical systems is inevitable and, from a tribological standpoint, critical for the lifetime of such systems, though receives little attention and is poorly understood.
The growth of micro-cracks accelerates premature material failure and wear during this phase of heightened friction. With this in mind, the ultimate goal of this current work is to transfer the running-in phase into the final step of the mechanical finishing process through the targeted pre-conditioning of novel, high toughness steel bearings without thermo-chemical treatments and compare these to conventional, case-hardened steels. Two mechanisms were
investigated:
a. Cold work hardening and
b. Chemical tribofilm formation.
Steels that showed a tendency toward work hardening and tribofilm formation in previous testing were chosen for this investigation. Thorough characterization of the chosen Steels was carried out before any pre-conditioning techniques were applied. The widely used 20MnCr5, seen as a reference gear steel, underwent case-hardening and subsequent deep freezing treatments in an attempt to yield discrete sample groups with respect to residual austenite.
This allowed for a more thorough investigation into the effects of residual austenite on the properties of this material. The high-performance alternative steels, 36NiCrMoV1-5-7 (hot working steel) and 45SiCrMo6 (spring steel), were heat treated as recommended by their respective manufacturers, and were not case-hardened. The selection of materials with and materials without case-hardening allows for an investigation into whether or not case-hardening is even necessary to deliver acceptable friction behaviour and wear performance. Elemental
analyses were conducted by multiple methods to ensure accurate results. Residual Austenite contents of the steels and the depth profiles of residual stresses were determined by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), for 20MnCr5 ranging from approximately 6 – 14 vol.%, and under 2 vol.% for
the alternative alloys. Hardness profiles were taken from the testing surfaces into the material core. The carburization of 20MnCr5 led to higher hardness and the greater concentration of carbon in the carburization zone more representative of a hardened SAE E52100, or
100Cr6/102Cr6, than of a non-case-hardened 20MnCr5. Residual stresses from machining and case-hardening were measured directly at the sample surface. The high-performance Steels fulfilled manufacturer expectations in terms of elemental content, with hardness values between
50 – 55 HRC and strongly martensitic microstructure character. With characterization of the chosen materials complete, the materials could then be subjected to pre-conditioning.
The first pre-conditioning method involved targeted generation of cold work hardening as induced boundary layers to protect the contact zone against wear. Work hardening was identified both by variations in residual stress profiles, i.e. the introduction of beneficial compressive residual stresses, and hardness increases in the contact zone, providing enhanced wear resistance. Parameters for work hardening were further optimized to reduce damage to the surface substrates of the treated materials. The second pre-conditioning method involved
the targeted generation of chemically reactive tribolayers (tribofilms) on twin disk testing rigs.
The lubrication strategies were based on:
a. CaCO3, which is predominant in engine oils, and
b. MoDTC, which is commonly used in engine and gear oils.
The films generated in pre-conditioning were analyzed by SEM-EDX with Element-Mapping, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS to elucidate their molecular composition and concentration on the sample surfaces. The combination of these methods of analysis gave a clear indication that 104 cycles were sufficient to generate stable and lasting tribofilms. CaO and CaCO3 were the main components of the tribofilm from the first lubricant package, while MoS2, MoO2 and MoO3
were the main components from the second lubricant package.
Finally, slip-rolling endurance testing (T = +120 °C, 107 cycles, approximately 19 days in
a factory fill engine oil) was carried out on all materials. It was shown that both pre-conditioning methods could achieve significant reductions in friction and wear during testing at up to and including P0Mean =1.94 GPa (P0Max = 2.91 GPa, FN = 2,000 N). Ultimately, this research showed that:
1. non-case-hardened high-performance steels offer competitive wear performance and better friction behaviour than the case-hardened 20MnCr5.
2. pre-conditioning led to COF reductions to under 7/10 and wear coefficient reductions to an astonishing 1/10 of the original values for the untreated steels under mixed/boundary lubrication.
3. the observed improvements to friction behaviour and wear performance are indicative of
a technically simple, cost- and energy-efficient pre-conditioning strategy that may prove