Probing tribo-interface evolution governing high temperature tribology of nitride ceramic contacts

Authors

Shanhong Wan, University of WollongongFollow
Hoang Bach Tran, University of WollongongFollow
Anh Kiet Tieu, University of WollongongFollow
Thi Thuy Huong Ta, University of WollongongFollow
Hongtao Zhu, University of WollongongFollow
Thi D. Ta, University of WollongongFollow
Yongxin Wang
Liping Wang
Ren Liu
Li Lin
Yan Li, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

140724

Publication Details

Wan, S., Tran, H., Tieu, A., Ta, T., Zhu, H., Ta, T., Wang, Y., Wang, L., Liu, R., Lin, L. & Li, Y. (2020). Probing tribo-interface evolution governing high temperature tribology of nitride ceramic contacts. Materials Characterization, 160

Abstract

2019 Elsevier Inc. The surface/subsurface characterization of chromium nitride (CrN)/silicon nitride (Si3N4) sliding contact was carried out, to comprehend how the composition migration and structural transformation across the dynamically-formed tribo-interface evolve with the varying temperature. Superior wear and friction performance is achieved for the chromium nitride (CrN)/silicon nitride (Si3N4) contact at 800 °C. The tribo-interface demonstrates two structural characteristics, a superficially disordered nano-scale grained tribofilm and an underlying deformed coarse-grained layer, being temperature-dependent. The unique multilayered structure and oxides segregation at the sliding interface are responsible for the adaptive capability of the rubbing contact during their interaction with oxygen/air at 800 °C. The computational analysis based on the Density Functional theory (DFT) was further implemented to confirm the tribochemical interaction of predominant oxide heterogeneities.