Tribological Properties and Machinability

As early as 1996, it was noted that Ti3SiC2 shavings had a graphitic feel to them [4], and this was later confirmed [168] when the friction coefficient, p, of Ti3SiC2 basal planes was measured using lateral force microscopy and shown to be one of the lowest ever reported, at 2-5 x 10. Not only was this value exceptionally low, but it remained very low during up to six months exposure to the atmosphere. 

These low p-values do not translate to low friction in polycrystalline samples [169]. More recent results [170], however, have suggested that it might be possible to obtain surfaces with p-values against steel and Si3N4 as low as 0.15, especially at low stresses. However, further investigations are required to better understand, and ultimately exploit, this important property. 

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