Effect of Load on Tribological Properties of Ti–TiB–Fe Composites Processed via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

In situ TiB-based reinforced composites in the Ti matrix were processed using spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the tribological potential with increasing concentration of B in the composite was explored. Wear and friction tests were carried out at different loads to evaluate the tribological performance of composites prepared by varying the B content 10 at%, 20 at%, and 30 at%, fixing the Fe content. Reciprocating test was used for sliding wear at 10, 15, 20, and 25 N against a counter-body of AISI52100 Steel ball. The presence of beta-Ti, TiB, and FeTi phases was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Increase in hardness (i.e., 488 to 964 HV0.1) is observed with TiB variation from 13 to 46.8 vol%. 13 vol% TiB shows highest wear and coefficient of friction(COF), while 46.8 vol% B shows the lowest wear and COF at all loads. HR-SEM was used for examination of worn surfaces, which reveals that the wear mechanism is a combination of adhesive, delamination, ploughing, oxidation, and abrasion.