Sliding friction behavior of bulk Ti3SiC2 under different normal pressures

The friction behavior of Ti3SiC2 Sliding against low carbon steel was studied. Tests were carried out on a block-on-disk type friction tester, with the normal pressures from 0.2 MPa to 0.8 MPa and the sliding speed of 20 m/s. The results showed that, irrespective of the normal pressure, the friction coefficient exhibits a transition period in the initial stage of a sliding friction process, in which the friction coefficient increases from an initial value and tends to a saturation value, and then enters into a relatively steady stage. The results also showed that, the friction coefficient of the steady stage decreases gradually from 0.35 to 0.26 with increase in normal pressure from 0.2 MPa to 0.8 MPa. The friction surfaces were observed by using SEM. It was found that all the surfaces were covered by a layer consisting of the frictional products with antifriction effect, and that the denseness and the thickness of the layer were increased with increase in normal pressure applied.