Lubrication Properties of Textured CSS-42L Bearing Steel Filled With Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti3C2 Under Harsh Environmental Conditions

Abstract To study tribological enhancements of MXene-Ti3C2 under harsh environmental conditions (acidification, emulsification, and high-temperature oxidation), the textured CSS-42L bearing steel surfaces filled with Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti3C2 (TSs-SACT) were prepared. Under harsh conditions, lubrication properties of TSs-SACT were investigated. The results showed that the vibrations of frictional forces and loads of TSs-SACT with the best antifriction performance were suppressed. The curves of instantaneous frictional forces of TSs-SACT were the smoothest, and the amplitudes of instantaneous loads were reduced. Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti3C2 with good adsorption could inhibit the oil film ruptures, which improves the lubrication. TSs-SACT induced the tribochemical reactions to produce the intermetallic compounds and oxides with good tribological properties, resulting in the uniform profiles with excellent antifriction performance and wear resistance.