Abstract MAX phase composite Ti3SiC2–TiSi2–TiC based on the Tin+1SiCn system was synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) under vacuum sintering conditions. The microstructural evolution upon synthesis and Vickers indentation contact damaged were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). Tribological behaviour of the SPSed MAX phase composite was investigated under dry sliding ambient conditions for evidence of intrinsic lubricity as well as to understand the influence of second phase TiC particles on the wear behaviour of this composite system. Further, the underlying wear mechanisms was elucidated via detailed analyses of the worn surfaces using Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Exhaustive analyses of the worn surface revealed evidence of solid lubrication. Transition in friction and wear is attributed to change in wear mechanism from tribo-oxidative to deformation-induced wear due to the disruption of the tribofilm architecture.

中文翻译：

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反应放电等离子体烧结 (SPS) 制备的原位 Ti3SiC2-TiSi2-TiC MAX 相复合材料的微观结构和固有润滑性

摘要 通过真空烧结条件下的放电等离子体烧结（SPS）合成了基于Tin+1SiCn体系的MAX相复合材料Ti3SiC2-TiSi2-TiC。使用扫描电子显微镜 (SEM) 和光学显微镜 (OM) 表征合成时的微观结构演变和维氏压痕接触损坏。在干滑动环境条件下研究了 SPSed MAX 相复合材料的摩擦学行为，以证明其固有的润滑性，并了解第二相 TiC 颗粒对该复合材料系统磨损行为的影响。此外，通过使用拉曼光谱、SEM-EDS 和透射电子显微镜 (TEM) 对磨损表面进行详细分析，阐明了潜在的磨损机制。对磨损表面的详尽分析揭示了固体润滑的证据。