Microstructure, mechanical properties and high temperature tribological behavior of NiAl-based composites

NiAl-based composites were fabricated in-situ using vacuum hot-press sintering technology. The Ti3AlC2, TiC and Ti3Al were formed during the sintering process, and the intensity of peaks grow higher with the addition of Al, Ti and C powder contents, respectively. The microhardness of the composites was significantly improved by adding these powders and gradually increased with the incremental content of Al, Ti and C powders. Meanwhile, the tribological properties of the composites at high temperature were also improved. The worn surface formed during the tribo-oxidation reactions and produced the glaze film in the high-temperature friction process, which could improve the composites' tribological properties. The TiO2 and Al2O3 phases were observed on the worn surface after the friction test, which could act as a high-temperature lubricant and improve the composites’ tribological properties.