Effect of surface textures on friction properties of Al 2 O 3 /TiC ceramics

Regular surface textures with different geometrical characteristics were made on the surface of Al₂O₃/TiC ceramic tool materials by laser, and MoS₂ solid lubricants were subsequently filled into the textured surfaces. Sliding wear tests were carried out with these textured ceramics. The friction coefficient was measured. The wear surface features of the textured ceramics were examined by SEM. Results show that the friction coefficient of the textured ceramics filled with MoS₂ was significantly reduced compared with that of the untextured one and was quite sensitive to the geometrical characteristics of the surface texturing. The textured ceramics with wavy grooves on its surface exhibited the smallest friction coefficient among all the samples tested. The improvement in friction properties of the textured ceramics filled with MoS₂ is attributed to several physical mechanisms such as local increase of lubricant supply by reservoir creation and formation of thin lubricating film between the sliding couples.