The influence of titanium dioxide on the tribological characteristics of a Fe-based friction composite material

New Fe-Cu-graphite-Ni-TiO2 (2 to 8 wt% TiO2) composite materials are studied for friction applications. The tribological characteristics of these materials were monitored by a pin-on-disc method against a cast iron plate. An increase of the friction coefficient when the titanium dioxide content was increased up to 6 wt% was noticed. Instead, adding 8 wt% of titanium dioxide determined the decrease of friction coefficient. A gradual decrease of the wear rate was marked out when titanium dioxide content was increased. The best behavior determined by the optimal ratio friction coefficient/wear rate was the Fe-Cu-graphite-Ni-TiO2 composite containing 6 wt% titanium dioxide.