The Influence of Water Addition on High-Temperature Tribological Properties of Interstitial Free Steel Sliding against Different Counterparts
The influence of only water addition on the hot metal forming process has not yet been reported in regard to tribological performance. In the present study, simulation tests were carried out on a pin-on-disc tribometer to evaluate the effects of water lubrication on the wear and friction behaviors of interstitial free (IF) steel sliding against different countersurface materials at 800°C in comparison with those in dry sliding. The opposing materials were selected as GCr15 steel and ceramic-based compounds including ZrO2, SiC, and Si3N4. It has been found that Si-based component–IF steel pairs exhibit the lowest wear losses despite achieving relatively high friction. Water addition adversely impairs the friction and wear characteristics on steel-steel tribopairs, whereas it shows insignificant effects on the pair involving ceramic-based components except ZrO2. Varying tribological responses can be found among different mated surfaces under water lubrication. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were utilized to examine the worn surface. The acting mechanism of water addition for different rubbing pairs was further discussed from the aspects of oxide tribochemistry.
