Friction and tribological behavior of (Ti, V)C–Co cermets

The tribological characteristics of some (Ti, V)C–10 wt.% Co cermets with variable Ti:V ratio, sliding against Cr–steel pins, were examined under unlubricated conditions. The sliding tests were carried out using a ball-on-disc tribometer in ambient conditions and a 10 N load. The friction coefficient was continuously recorded during the tests being the average values determined in the 0.29–0.36 range, for all the compositions studied. To elucidate the operating wear mechanisms, the worn surfaces on the tribological pair were characterized by profilometric, SEM and EDX analysis. The maximum wear resistance has been obtained for the composition with original TiC:VC ratio equal to 1. The wear coefficients of the sintered discs were in the range (2.0–3.2)E−14 m2/N. SEM and EDX analysis of the discs wear tracks showed a shallow abrasive wear and no presence of adhesive wear.