EFFECT OF HBN ON WEAR OF AlCrN-COATED SPARK PLASMA - SINTERED TiB2/Ti COMPOSITES AT TEMPERATURES UP TO 900°C

In this work, hexagonal boron nitride powder was used for the lubrication of an interface of TiB2/Ti composite protected by an AlCrN coating and a ceramic Si3N4 ball. The wear behaviour of this tribo-pair in an oscillating motion was studied with an SRV tribotester at the temperature range from room temperature to 900 °C. The action of hexagonal boron nitride as a solid lubricant was analysed with the use of a 3D microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The test results confirmed that under high-temperature conditions, the use of hexagonal boron nitride as a solid lubricant does not increase the wear resistance of the TiB2/Ti composite. The use of the AlCrN coating significantly reduces wear at the temperature up to 600 °C only, while the combined use of the AlCrN coating and hBN lubrication provides effective protection against wear even at the temperature up to 900 °C. Therefore, the synergy of the anti-wear action of the coating and the solid lubricant was proved.