Self-Lubricating Effect of WC/Y–TZP–Al2O3 Hybrid Ceramic–Matrix Composites with Dispersed Hadfield Steel Particles during High-Speed Sliding against an HSS Disk
, Irina Sevostyanova 1, Mikhail Grigoriev 2, Tatiana Sablina 1, Ales Buyakov 1, Maxim Rudmin 3, Andrey Vorontsov 1, Evgeny Moskvichev 1, Valery Rubtsov 1 and Sergei Tarasov 1,3,*
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The subject matter is very interesting and important and has a special value considering practical applications. The authors have carried out a thorough literature review that justified their research. The references are adequate considering the discussion in the paper. Modern research methods were used in the work. The research methods and materials have not been carefully characterized.
I suggest a mandatory revision of the following points to increase the quality of the paper:
1. Manufacturers of the commercial powders used should be reported.
2. Figure 1b is a mirror image.
3. How was the density of the samples determined?
4. The photos shown in Figures 1 a-c, 4 were taken with a Tescan Vega3 microscope - this is the inscription on the photos. Pictures in Figure 8 with the Zeiss microscope. Please, check all the SEM pictures. Pictures 1d-f were taken with a different microscope.
5. The same applies to EDS tests. On the basis of the observation of the photos, it is visible that they were made with two devices.
6. The names of all devices used in the work should be given.
7. The parameters for which the SEM and EDS tests were performed should be given.
8. I am not sure of the authors' conclusion that iron infiltrated into the WC-grain agglomerates during sinter-forging. I have the impression that iron is in the spaces between carbides. This is very clearly visible in Figure 7. This requires a comment.
9. The authors should present in the article the curves of changes in the friction coefficient as a function of friction time.
10. The EDS method is not suitable for the designation of light elements, including carbon. The values are subject to a very large mistake. Please comment.
Recommendation:
This manuscript in the presented form is not acceptable for publication in Lubricants. The major revision is necessary.
Author Response
Please, see our replies in the file attached below
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
English
Line12-13
In the range…
Line 20
That good
Line 108
WC powder particle size: relate it with Fig 1 (b)
Line 154
How density was measured?
Line 247
Homogeneity of the iron distribution in the composite improved with the content of WC. How and why?
Line 340
Minimal wear rate and friction were achieved on 65W composite at 37 m/s. Why?
Line 450
Why WC grains form agglomerates when sintering?
Line 454
Hadfield steel preferentially infiltrated. ???
Line 471-471
See please.
Keywords
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Author Response
Please, see our replies in the file attached
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
The authors have taken into account the reviews' comments and have made corrections in this article. They have responded to all the comments from the reviewers. The authors have made significant positive changes to the manuscript. The work is clear and very interesting.
Recommendation:
This manuscript in the presented form is acceptable for publication in the Lubricants.
