Tribological Study of Ti₃SiC₂ and Its Derivatives

In this paper, we report on the tribological and wear properties of Ti₃SiC₂ and its derivatives. Coarse-grained Ti₃SiC₂ was not wear resistant at room temperature. Preoxidation of the material at 700 °C for 5 h also failed to ameliorate the situation at room temperature. Addition of 20 vol.% Cu in the matrix improved the wear rate for up to 1500 m; beyond that distance the friction and wear increased. Ti₃SiC₂ tested at 500 °C showed improved wear resistance most probably due to the formation of oxide tribofilms. More work is being done to understand the basic mechanism behind this behavior.