Effect of large-size micro-convex surface on tribological performance of spherical Ti-6Al-4V/Al-7Si-0.3Mg composite

The surface geometric features have a significant influence on the friction behavior of materials. In this study, the spherical Ti-6Al-4V reinforced Al matrix composite was prepared with large-size micro-convex surface. The influence of micro-convex surface and Ti-6Al-4V on the friction behavior were investigated. Under loading forces 10–30 N, the coefficient of friction and wear rate were reduced by 46.1 %-49.1 % and 92.3 %-83.2 % compared with the matrix. In the running-in stage, micro-convex surface can prolong the deformation of micro-convex body, and reduce the friction by changing the bearing face. In the stable wear stage, the high stiffness Ti-6Al-4V change the stress transmission mode from concentrated load to dispersed load, which improved the potential energy storage rate.