Tribological studies of monolithic chromium diboride against cemented tungsten carbide (WC–Co) under dry condition

Abstract Friction and wear behaviour of the hot pressed monolithic chromium diboride (CrB 2 ) of 94% theoretical density were studied at different loads (3, 5 and 10 N) and frequencies (10 and 15 Hz) under dry reciprocative sliding condition against cemented tungsten carbide (WC–Co) ball. Coefficient of friction and wear rate were calculated. While the value of coefficient of friction (COF) is decreased from 0.50 to 0.36 with increasing load from 3 N to 10 N; it is observed to be nearly independent with respect to sliding frequency. The measured wear volume is in the range of 0.67 × 10 −3 –2.24 × 10 −3  mm 3 for the investigated regime. The lowest specific wear rate of 4.63 × 10 −7  mm 3 /N m was observed at 10 N load and 15 Hz frequency. Abrasive and tribo-oxidative wear with delamination were the active mechanisms manifested in both flat and counter body materials.