Physic-chemical analysis for high-temperature tribology of WC-6Co against Ti–6Al–4V by pin-on-disc method

To study high-temperature tribological behaviors between tools and workpieces plays an active role in the development of high-speed machining. This original work dedicated to investigate high-temperature tribological behaviors of Ti–6Al–4V/WC-6Co interaction couples at the temperature ranging 20 °C, 320 °C, 620 °C, and 920 °C, which analyzed the physic-chemical properties of coefficient of friction, tribological topography, element diffusion, phase compositions, and nano-indentation hardness. Smaller coefficient of friction was existed under the high-temperature due to softer Ti–6Al–4V serving as lubricating layers at the interface. The tribological behaviors were gradually changed by the temperature conditions, which converted mechanical into the coupled mechanical-chemical induced wear. The effects of high-temperature conditions on WC-6Co could result in a certain degree of nano-indentation hardness weakening. This work provides an in-depth understanding of tribological behaviors and failure mechanism of tool materials in machining Ti–6Al–4V. [Display omitted] •High-temperature tribological behaviors for Ti-6Al-4V/WC-6Co interaction were investigated.•Physic-chemical properties of interaction were involved in analysis.•Mechanical was converted into mechanical-chemical induced wear with increase of temperature.