Tribological behavior of squamous textured SiC sliding against graphite under mixed lubrication

• Published in: Journal of manufacturing processes Vol. 108; pp. 639 - 652
• Main Authors: Zhang, Na, Ma, Jian, Li, Zhentao, Zhan, Xianghua, Zheng, Qingyang, Gao, Jindong, Liu, Yancong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 22.12.2023
• Subjects: Hydrodynamic performance; Texture; Wear; Hydrodynamic performance; Texture; Wear
• ISSN: 1526-6125; 2212-4616
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmapro.2023.11.029

Texturing of sealing faces is an effective approach to reduce wear failure and improve the working efficiency and service life of mechanical seal, particularly under insufficient lubrication. Herein, a silicon carbide surface with a novel squamous texture is fabricated using laser. A reciprocating pin-on-disk wear test is conducted on silicon carbide and graphite surfaces to investigate the tribological properties of squamous texture arrangements and parameters under mixed lubrication. Results demonstrate that the symmetrical and evenly distributed texture arrangement displays remarkable load-carrying capacity. Appropriate adjustment of texture parameters can achieve a considerably low oil contact angle. The squamous texture with a major to minor axis ratio of 1.5 has the excellent tribological properties, reducing the average coefficient of friction by 26.7 %. Moreover, the squamous texture facilitates the formation of a graphite transfer film and traps debris, which helps avoid particle and adhesive wear, resulting in a low wear rate. However, high pressure nullifies the hydrodynamic effect and accelerates the shearing of graphite asperities, thereby increasing friction and wear. This study provides a novel strategy for enhancing the tribological behavior of sealing surfaces.