Influence of structural parameters on the tribological properties of Al2O3/Mo laminated nanocomposites

High-performance Al2O3/Mo laminated nanocomposites are potential candidates for space vehicle bearing components because of their excellent self-lubricating ability and mechanical properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate how layer thickness and spacing parameters affected the sliding friction and wear of such Al2O3/Mo laminated composites against alumina. Eight types of Al2O3/Mo laminated nanocomposites with different microstructures were fabricated by hot-pressing. Analyses were can to understand the effects on friction and wear of the number of Mo layers a, thickness ratio z, and the effective proportion of Mo real contact area. Results showed that the performance of the material was significantly improved by optimizing its microstructural design. By this method, the friction coefficient can be controlled in a stable range (0.34-0.50) in a high temperature environment. This friction coefficient is close to the value observed for pure Mo (0.37). Varying 17, Z and the contact area of Mo causes significant changes in the formation of effective lubricating oxide films (MoO3), thus enabling the best material performance. Furthermore, thicker molybdenum layers tend to improve the friction stability of the materials. Based on these analyses, a set of principles to design Al2O3/Mo laminated composites has been formulated. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.