Effects of wear characteristics of Ni3Al metal matrix self-lubrication composites on friction-induced vibration and noise properties

An experimental research was performed to study the wear characteristics, as well as the friction-induced vibration and noise behaviors of Ni3Al alloys (NA) and Ni3Al metal matrix composites containing lubricant grephene nanoplatelets (NA-GNPs). Results showed that compared with NA, NA-GNPs exhibited the better tribological performance, as well as the lower amplitudes of friction-induced vibration and noise. The noise signals were closely correlated to the vibration acceleration signals. The occurrence of friction-induced vibration and noise was attributed to friction interface factors, such as asperity deformation, plowing and adhesion. The worn surface of NA with the appearances of peeling and obvious micro-cracks showed high-frequency vibration and noise characteristics. However, the finer GNPs could be filled into the edge of micro-cracks and gaps to repair the worn surface with the sliding of counterpart ball, NA-GNPs exhibited low-frequency vibration and noise behaviors. Moreover, due to the migration and diffusion of GNPs, the friction layer structure was formed easily beneath worn surface of NA-GNPs, which could improve the lubricating effect. GNPs exhibited the excellent potential lubricant for improvement of tribological performance and reduction of vibration and noise.