Ambient dry sliding friction and wear behaviour of laser surface textured (LST) Ti3SiC2 MAX phase composite against hardened steel and alumina

Abstract This paper investigates the feasibility of improving the tribological properties of Ti3SiC2 MAX phase composite by employing laser surface texturing (LST). Two different surface textures (line and square) were produced on the bulk sample using a continuous laser. The friction and wear performance of the line and square textured surface was investigated against an untextured surface following reciprocating dry-sliding contact against hardened steel and alumina counterface at ambient conditions. Sliding-induced chemical and topographical changes were studied by 3D optical profilometry, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Test results show that both the line and square textured MAX phase composite surface exhibits excellent wear performance as well as a reduction in friction. The improved performance is linked to the combined effect of surface texture, topography, surface hardening and tribofilm evolution. The type of counterface material played a vital role in the nature of tribo-oxidation product formed as well as the extent of wear of the MAX phase material.