ABSTRACT
The lubricated tribology of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is a less explored arena to date. However, to meet the ever-growing demand of various aggressive environments, along with the development of self-lubricating and self-healing hybrid and functionalized MMCs, study of lubricated (dry/wet) tribology of such composite materials finds a huge potential scope of research to satisfy the modern engineering demands. The study of underlying dominating friction/wear mechanism(s) and lubrication properties is quite stringent assignment since there is a formation of physically deposited film or tribolayer or mechanically mixed layers (MMLs) in continuous or fragmented form, which greatly depends upon lubrication regime. Functional lubrication regime is governed by the typical properties of lubricant and formulating agents (surfactants/dispersants etc.); the type of particle additive (either in matrix phase during composite fabrication or lubricant formulation); the fabrication method and material parameters; the operating and tribological testing conditions, etc. Prior to the study of lubricated tribology involving such composites, a comprehensive characterization and analysis (microstructure/morphological/mechanical) of the fabricated composite is quite vital, as high-quality and superior candidates would impart an efficient and a resilient mechanical system. A comprehensive literature review becomes a handy tool in selecting the suitable materials for the composite, lubricant, solid particle lubricants, and parameters for further improvement of tribological properties. Such a comprehensive outlook on the subject matter will be provided through this chapter. Based on the critical review and discussion, finally, concluding remarks will be made regarding the scope for the future works in the field of wet tribology of MMCs.
