Friction-Induced Hardening Behaviors and Tribological Properties of 60NiTi Alloy Lubricated by Lithium Grease Containing Nano-BN and MoS2. Issue 5 (3rd September 2019) - Yan, Chao
Abstract: Hardened 60NiTi alloy, which possesses a unique set of desirable properties, has been considered as an attractive candidate for the bearing materials used in space mechanisms. However, the typical hardening process (quenching from high temperatures with a high cooling rate) may result in quench cracking, especially in casting parts. With this in mind, the feasibility of friction-induced surface hardening of 60NiTi under the lubrication of lithium-based greases containing nanoparticles was explored in our research. In addition, the tribological properties of 60NiTi alloy lubricated with lithium-based greases containing different proportions of nanoparticles were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the surface of worn 60NiTi. An obvious friction-induced hardening effect on the 60NiTi alloy disc surface was identified, which was due to the formation of a hard metastable Ti3 Ni4 phase and B2TiNi phase during the friction process. The lubrication effects of all of the modified grease were superior to those of the base grease, and the antiwear properties were closely related to the types of single nano-additives and the proportion of composite nano-additives.