Tribological Properties of a Dendrite-reinforced Ti-based Metallic Glass Matrix Composite under Different Conditions

Abstract The tribological properties of the in-situ dendrite-reinforced metallic glass matrix composite (Ti 42 Zr 22 V14 -Cu 5 Be 17 ) prepared by copper mould casting were analyzed at different normal loads under the dry condition and rainwater. The results showed that the average value of the frictional coefficients and micro-hardness ascended with increasing the normal load, while the wear rate showed a trend of decline under the dry condition. The electrochemical test results showed that the surface of samples was pitting corroded in the rainwater. The matrices were corroded first. Then the dendrites were exposed, leading to the damage of the surface. Both the frictional coefficients and wear rate of the composite in the rainwater were larger than those under the dry condition, primarily owing to the corrosion of chloride ions on the worn surface. The wear mechanisms of composites were mainly adhesive wear, accompanied by the abrasive wear under the dry condition and corrosive wear in the rainwater. The composites have higher wear resistance both under the dry condition and rainwater due to the lower wear rate.