On the reaction mechanism of Mo₂FeB₂-based cermets and wear transition induced by self-lubricating tribo-oxide layer

During the sintering process, the phase evolution of Mo₂FeB₂-based cermets mainly occurred in the solid stage. When the liquid formed, the phase composition remained constant and the “dissolution-reprecipitation” process predominated the microstructural evolution. At 1250 °C, the hardness, transverse rupture strength and fracture toughness of Mo₂FeB₂-based cermets reached 88.6 HRA, 1480 MPa and 14.1 MPa⋅m^1/2, respectively. The tribology and wear behaviors of Mo₂FeB₂-based cermets were evaluated from 25 °C to 800 °C. The abrasive wear prevailed at 25 °C, while the wear mechanism transitioned to oxidative mild wear due to the formation of the tribo-oxide layer at 400 °C and 600 °C. Besides the anti-wear Fe₂O₃, the lubricant MoO₃ and B₂O₃ were also formed. The multi-component self-lubricating tribo-oxide layer simultaneously reduced the wear rate and coefficient of friction of Mo₂FeB₂-based cermets. However, by further increasing the temperature to 800 °C, the cracked matrix and impaired tribo-oxide layer resulted in the transition of wear mechanism to oxidative severe wear. The appropriate combination of load and temperature was necessary for the formation and stability of the tribo-oxide layer.