Effect of elastic and plastic deformations on tribological behavior of graphene-reinforced Ni3Al matrix composites

The elastic and plastic deformations have significant effect on the tribological properties of the graphene-reinforced Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the tribological behavior and wear mechanisms of graphene-reinforced Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites by researching the effects of different loads and the corresponding friction heat on the elastic or plastic deformation. The dry sliding tribology tests of graphene-reinforced Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites are carried out at the loads of 7, 10, 13, and 16N, respectively. The elastic or plastic deformation is judged by comparing the yield stress with the contact stress analyzed by the numerical simulation method. It is found that graphene-reinforced Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites exhibit good tribological properties at 13N due to the elastic deformation, leading to the formation of relatively stable wear resistant layer. Graphene-reinforced Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites show poor tribological performance at 16N for the plastic deformation, resulting in the destruction of the wear resistant layer and the generation of surface cracks and material spalling. From the mechanical mechanism of wear, the plastic deformation and thermal stress are the important factors to lead to the material spalling. The results could be used to guide the selection of suitable working conditions for having good tribological performance of low wear and long service life.