Abrasive wear of intermetallic-based alloys and composites

In this study, the abrasive wear behavior of Fe3Al, TiAl, Ti3Al, Al3Ti, NiAl, Ni3Al and MoSi2, and composites based on these compounds, were assessed and compared to the behavior of selected metals, alloys and ceramics. Under the wear conditions used for these tests, the softer intermetallic compounds (e.g. TiAl and Fe3Al) behaved in a manner similar to the metals and alloys, whereas, the harder intermetallic compound (i.e. MoSi2) behaved more like a ceramic. The influence of Al atomic fraction, superlattice structure and ternary alloying additions on the wear behavior of Fe3Al was investigated. Controlling the Al content and third element additions affected wear resistance more than superlattice structure. Composite strengthening was also explored as a method for improving wear resistance. The addition of hard second phase particles (i.e. TiB2 to NiAl and SiC to MoSi2) was also very effective improving wear resistance. Surprisingly, the addition of softer Nb particles did not significantly degrade the wear resistance of a MoSi2 matrix, even at Nb additions of 40%.