Synthesis, characterization and tribological properties of High purity Ti3SiC2 nanolamellas

High-purity hexagonal Ti3SiC2 nanolamellas with diameters of 1–9 μm have been successfully synthesized by pressureless sintering using Ti, Si, graphite and Al powders. The as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The tribological properties of the as-prepared Ti3SiC2 powders as additives in HVI750 base oil were investigated on UMT-2 multispecimen tribo-tester. The wear scars were measured by VEECO WYKO NT1100 non-contact optical profile testing instrument. It was found that the addition of Ti3SiC2 nanolamellas exhibits better friction reduction and wear resistance properties than that of pure base oil. Compared to other methods, the present process adopted is energy and time saving, and could be an advantage in the technological and the economical point of view, and also would broaden the application area of this material.