Influence of Organic Solvents on Adhesive Wear of Titanium Slid against Ceramics

Abstract

To determine the titanium adhesion inhibitory effect of organic solvents on the sliding surface between titanium (Ti) and ceramics, Ti disks were slid against silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) pins under dry conditions, in n-undecane, and in ethanol using a unidirectional pinon-disk machine. Ti disks were also slid against alumina (Al₂O₃) pins under dry condition and in ethanol. Contour measurement, microstructural observation and chemical analysis of the worn disk and pin surfaces were performed. Under dry conditions, the substances composed of Ti adhered to the whole of the wear scars of both the Si₃N₄ pin and Al₂O₃ pin. n-Undecane and ethanol inhibited the adhesion of Ti to the Si₃N₄ pin effectively. Tribochemical reaction products seemed to contribute to the wear of the Si₃N₄ pin/Ti disk pair in n-undecane and in ethanol. The amount of adhesion of Ti to the Al₂O₃ pin was less in ethanol than under dry conditions. Mechanical wear such as fracture and cutting seemed to be main wear mechanisms of the Al₂O₃ pin/Ti disk pair in ethanol. Wear of the Ti disk in ethanol was significantly affected by the surface roughness of the wear scar of the mating ceramic pin.