Friction and wear properties of WC-Al₂O₃ composite

Friction and wear properties of WC-Al₂O₃ composite, which slid against WC-6Co, were studied by slide friction and wear experiment of spherical surface contact friction mode on HT-1000 high-temperature friction and wear test instrument within the temperature range of 25℃ to 600℃. In additional, a comparison of WC-Al₂O₃ and WC-6Co was conducted. The micro morphologies of the worn surface and surface composition of the materials were analyzed by SEM, and ultra-depth microscope and XRD. The results show that the friction coefficient of WC-Al₂O₃ composite is smaller and the friction and wear property is better at room temperature. When the temperature increases to 600℃, the oxide formation is accelerated on the surface of WC-Al₂O₃ composite grinding marks, the friction coefficient decreases remarkably. At the same time, wear mechanism change to oxidation wear from abrasive wear, also friction and wear properties are slightly worse.