Tribological studies of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass

In the present study, the tribological behavior of a Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Ti5Al10 bulk metallic glass (BMG) was investigated using pin-on-disk sliding measurements under an argon atmosphere, rubbing against a type 303 stainless steel counterface. The tested pins and disk were examined using X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, profilometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the wear of the BMG pins was substantially larger compared with previous tests performed against a zirconia counterface. Strain softening was found in the near-surface region of the glassy pin due to the highly localized shearing. Frictional heating contributed to the occurrence of viscous flow and material transfer on the worn surface of the wear pin and the disk, respectively. Thus, the pin exhibited a severe adhesive-dominated sliding wear.