High-pressure infiltration fabrication of WC-based self-lubricating ceramics with synergistic enhancement of mechanical and lubrication properties

• Published in: International journal of refractory metals & hard materials Vol. 128; p. 107089
• Main Authors: Zhang, ZhiCai, Wu, JiaKun, Wang, Chao, Hou, ZhiQiang, Tang, Yao, Li, Hao, Yang, Jiao, Gao, Jun, Yang, YiKan, Liu, YangBin, Ouyang, XiaoPing, Wang, HaiKuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2025
• Subjects: High-pressure infiltration; Mechanical properties; Multiple lubrication mechanism; Self-lubricating ceramic; High-pressure infiltration; Mechanical properties; Self-lubricating ceramic; Multiple lubrication mechanism
• ISSN: 0263-4368
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2025.107089

The mechanical performance defects of self-lubricating ceramics bottleneck restricting their development and application. Such a defect is attributed to the lubricant's hindering effect on the substrate's bonding during the sintering process. Here, we report a high-pressure infiltration scheme and present a two-step approach for preparing WC-based self-lubricating ceramics with excellent mechanical and lubrication properties. We have demonstrated that the process breaks through the limitations between mechanical and lubrication properties to improve the wear resistance of the ceramics significantly. The effects of residual stresses due to lubricating phases and the complex three-dimensional pore structure within the ceramics deserve extensive discussion. A multiple lubrication mechanism involving multiple particles is proposed based on frictional wear analysis. This straightforward strategy opens a gate to developing the next generation of self-lubricating ceramic materials. [Display omitted] •WC/cBN Self-lubricating ceramics with excellent properties were prepared by a two-step method.•Lubricant penetration did not weaken the mechanical properties of ceramics.•The wear rate of the self-lubricating ceramics was reduced by 63 %.•A multiple lubrication mechanism involving multiple particles was proposed.