Effect of 80% diamond content on the tribological behavior of Diamond-Ti₃SiC₂ composites against various counterfaces

Authors

• Liang Li Nanyang Normal University
• Boke Sun Nanyang Normal University
• Jing Wei Nanyang Normal University
• Zhanlong Liu Nanyang Normal University
• Yongzhi Yu Nanyang Normal University
• Yuqi Chen Nanyang Normal University

Keywords:

Counterface effect, Diamond–Ti₃SiC₂ composite, Friction coefficient, High-pressure sintering, Tribological behavior, Wear mechanism

Abstract

To meet the growing demand for wear-resistant and stable frictional materials in advanced engineering applications, polycrystalline diamond composites with 80 wt% diamond were fabricated using Ti₃SiC₂ as a ceramic binder under high pressure and high temperature. The microstructural analysis confirmed that the high diamond content ensured uniform dispersion within the matrix and strong interfacial bonding, which effectively improved composite integrity. Tribological tests against agate, polymers (POM and PP), and aluminum revealed that the composites exhibited stable friction coefficients ranging from 0.18 to 0.52 under varied loads and sliding speeds. Distinct wear mechanisms were identified depending on the counterface: abrasive wear dominated for glass, a combination of abrasive and adhesive wear occurred for polymers, while adhesive wear prevailed for metallic counterparts. Importantly, the composites showed lower friction and reduced wear at elevated loads or speeds, highlighting the stabilizing role of diamond reinforcement in the Ti₃SiC₂ matrix. These results demonstrate that introducing 80 wt% diamond markedly enhances both wear resistance and frictional stability, making such composites promising candidates for cutting, drilling, and other superhard tribological applications in demanding service environments.