Titanium Matrix Composites (TMCs) are related to their low specific weight, high elastic modulus and tensile strength. In wear resistance, the benefits of particle reinforcing and the wear mechanisms occurring during sliding events are still under investigation. This work focused on the influence of TiC reinforcing particles on the tribological properties of TMCs with open porosity, processed by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Materials composed of an equimolar mixture of Ti and TiH2 with 0, 3, 10 and 30 vol% of TiC were sintered at 850°C. Wear tests were carried out using a tribometer in a ball-on-flat configuration. Characterization included density measurements, phase identification, hardness, and wear track analysis. Results showed a microhardness increment from 281 to 554 HV with increasing TiC content. The Coefficient of Friction (CoF) showed a minimum of 0.2 for 10%TiC grade. 3D-profilometry showed the wear volume to decrease 13 times for the 10%TiC reinforced material in comparison to the TiC-free material. For the 3%TiC composite, adhesive wear with severe plastic deformation was identified. The 10%TiC material showed a Mechanical Mixed Layer (MML). The 30% TiC composite showed abrasion as the main wear mechanism. In conclusion, the wear mechanisms, CoFs and wear volume varied with TiC content.
Samples with 40% vol. of pores and a pore size distribution between 100 and 500 µm were produced by powder metallurgy from Ti6Al4V alloy powders. Sintering was performed at 1300 °C during one hour in an inert Argon atmosphere in a vertical dilatometer. The compressive strength and the porosity of these samples was investigated before and after compression tests through X-ray microtomography. The values of the elastic modulus (8GPa) and yield strength (80MPa) are within the range of those used in bone implants. Porosity leads to greater deformation whereas fracture of compacts occurs perpendicularly to the applied load. It was determined that the origin of the failure is generated by rupture of interparticle necks and, large pores enhance the propagation of cracks.
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