Vitreloy-105 behavior under mutual wear

Abstract

Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are widely used as mechanical components due to their excellent properties and high glass-forming ability. However, there is a lack of research concerning the tribological behavior of BMG versus BMG. The sliding characteristics of Vitreloy-105 (Zr52.2Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 at.%) were studied in air using a pin-on-disk apparatus equipped for continuous measurement of friction force and without lubrication. The counterface material was the same BMG. The structure, thermal stability, and wear morphology were examined by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, non-contact profilometer, and scanning electron microscopy. For a normal load applied (10.0, 20.4 and 38.2 N) at constant 233 rpm the coefficient of friction ranged from 0.30 to 0.36 at steady state. Average wear rate was more pronounced on the pins under higher load and the predominant wear mechanism observed was adhesive, with presence of peeling-off and micro-cracks accompanied by some grooves and abrasive wear at lower loads.