Tribological performance of Ni3Al–15 wt% Ti3SiC2 composites against Al2O3, Si3N4 and WC-6Co from 25 to 800 °C

Dry sliding tribological tests of Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites (NMSC) with addition of 15 wt% Ti3SiC2 are undertaken against Si3N4, Al2O3, WC-6Co at 25–800 °C. The results show that the tribological properties are strongly dependent on the counterface materials. NMSC against Si3N4 shows the lower friction coefficients (0.31–0.48) and wear rates (0.34–2.1×10−5 mm3 N−1 m−1) from 25 to 800 °C, while there is no clear difference in tribological performance of NMSC against Al2O3 or WC-6Co. NMSC against Si3N4 may be the optimal design for the excellently tribological performance.