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To improve the tribo-performance of molybdenum disulphide lithium grease (MDLG), the tribological behaviors of 42CrMo under grease lubrication with Ti3C2 as an additive were systematically studied. The results show that when the concentration of MXenes-Ti3C2 in MDLG is 2 wt.%, the friction coefficient and wear volume loss could be respectively reduced by a maximum of 69 and 98%. This is mainly attributed to the graphitization of MXenes-Ti3C2 induced by the friction. It retards the breakage of soap fibers and in turn significantly improves the tribological performance of MDLG under the low speed and high load conditions. In order to predict better working conditions for obtaining the excellent tribological behavior, the experimental results were used to develop a Genetic Algorithm-Artificial Neural Network (GA-ANN) model. Under the predicted working conditions, the estimated friction coefficient (R2 = 0.993) and wear volume loss (R2 = 0.934) were close to the experimental results. This study could provide the support for the application of MXenes-Ti3C2 as an additive in the lubrication grease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further understand the role of MXene-Ti3C2 in oil–solid synergistic lubrication, three kinds of microporous channel composites, M50, M50-Sn-Ag-Cu and M50-Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti3C2, were designed and prepared in this study. Tribological behaviors under different environmental conditions of oil lubrication and dry friction were analyzed. The results show that M50-Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti3C2 exhibits excellent tribological properties under oil lubrication. Mxene-Ti3C2 enhances the strength of solid lubricant film, so that the oil film can give full play to the antifriction and wear resistance of solid lubricant film. The synergistic effect of lubricating oil, solid lubricants and bionic curved microchannel reduces the friction coefficient and wear rate. The vibration acceleration along the reciprocating direction is also reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the uneven lubricating film of M50 aviation bearings under high load, it is of great significance to explore how to improve its friction performance through the synergistic lubrication of solid lubricant and lubricating oil. Inspired by the material transport of leaf veins, a bionic microchannel was designed for the contact interface. M50, M50-SnAgCu (MS) and M50-SnAgCu-Nb2C (MSN) biomimetic composites are prepared, respectively. The tribological properties of the material under dry friction and three grades of Mobil oil (DTE 24, DTE 25 and DTE 26) were investigated through ball-on-disk friction. The high-hardness Si3N4 ball is used as the counterpair. The results show that the average friction coefficient and wear rate of MSN are reduced by 29.63% and 28.36%, respectively. In addition, the furrows on the worn surface were significantly reduced. The synergistic lubrication of SnAgCu-Nb2C and the DTE 26 oil makes M50 have a excellent antifriction and wear resistance. The results can provide guidance for the research of synergetic lubrication behavior of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the tribological performance of TC4 has far-reaching significance for its wide application in the field of automobile and robot. The lubricating behaviors of TC4 with mixed solid lubricant (Sn-Ag-Cu with TiC) filled into surface dimples (TAC) during dry rotary sliding were systematically investigated. The results show that TAC has better tribological properties than TC4 and TC4-P. It attributes to the synergistic effect of surface dimples and mixed solid lubricant. The mixed solid lubricant in dimples is easier to be extruded to the frictional interface. The uniform and wear-resistant lubricating layer containing SAC and TiC is formed on the worn surface of TAC, reducing the direct impact of counterpart ball on substrate material. The fluidity of SAC endows TAC with the ability of self-repairing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of functionally gradient structure of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced Ni 3 Al metal matrix composites (GNMMCs) prepared by laser melting deposition on the tribological performance, as well as friction-induced vibration and noise are investigated. Results show that GNMMCs with GNPs gradient structure can improve the tribological performance and weaken the intensity of high frequency vibration and noise under the variable loadings, which are affected by the synergy effects of lubricant and gradient structure. High level of GNPs content in contact interface layer allows an easier GNPs deposition and promote the formation of smooth surface. GNMMCs with gradient hardness change has the abilities of absorbing heavy loads and resisting the deformation of contact interface. Hence, friction-induced vibration and noise is reduced. Image 1 • The gradient Ni 3 Al self-lubricating composites (GNMMCs) is prepared. • Friction and wear behavior is tested under two kinds of loading conditions. • The sources of friction-induced vibration and noise are investigated. • The inherent correlation between noise signals and worn states is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry tribological tests of M50 matrix composites containing 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt% Ag are undertaken at 0.2 m/second 15 N from 25°C to 450°C against Si3N4 ceramic balls. The results indicate that the tribological performance is strongly dependent on the content of solid lubricant Ag. M50 matrix composites containing 5.0 wt% Ag exhibits the great tribological performance with the low friction coefficients of 0.23 to 0.43 and less wear rates of 1.89 to 3.52 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 from 25°C to 450°C, which is attributed to the formation of thick lubricating film on the worn surface. Furthermore, the migration model of solid lubricant Ag in M50 matrix composites is established to predict the thickness of formed lubricating film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M50 steel is the main material used in aircraft bearings, and its friction performance will directly affect the reliability and service life of the whole bearing. Hence, this paper focuses on the tribological behavior and self-healing function of as-prepared M50 steel-based self-lubricating material covered with surface micropores filled with Sn-Ag-Cu (MMSAC). Friction results show that MMSAC exhibits the distinguished tribological behavior. Analysis indicates that this is mainly due to the lubricating film formed on the worn surface and the self-healing behavior on the worn surface of MMSAC. Sn-Ag-Cu in micropores can precipitate onto the friction surface to form the lubricating film, while the volume expansion caused by the oxidation of Sn and Cu plays an important role in filling cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main steel used in the aero-engine main shaft bearings, the tribological properties of M50 can directly affect the performance of aero-engine. The purpose of this study is to design the reasonable composition of Sn-Ag-Cu alloy and investigate the wear mechanisms of M50-10 wt.%(Sn-Ag-Cu) composites (MSACC) prepared by SPS sliding against Si3N4 ball from 25 to 550 °C at 12 N-0.25 m/s. XRD, EPMA, FESEM and EDS mappings are conducted to understand the major mechanisms leading to the improvement in the sliding behavior of MSACC. The results indicate that MSACC with different specifications of Sn-Ag-Cu alloy shows excellent friction and wear properties from 25 to 550 °C compared to M50. M50-10 wt.%(50Sn40Ag10Cu) (MSACC-2) shows the distinguished tribological performance for the lower friction coefficients of 0.22-0.61 and less wear rates of 1.7-4.1 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1, which is attributed to the formed excellent lubricating structure consisting of the lubricating film with massive Sn-Ag-Cu alloy and intermetallic compounds formed during the friction process, as well as the underneath mixed layer who can well support the lubricating film due to the good intersolubility between the designed Sn-Ag-Cu alloy and M50 (Fe). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving the tribological performance of NiAl matrix composites by graphene addition. Friction and wear experiments of as-prepared specimens were conducted under different conditions using a pin-on-disk wear testing machine. NiAl matrix composites containing graphene showed satisfactory performance in friction coefficient and wear resistance compared to NiAl matrix composites without graphene. For the active effect of graphene, the friction coefficient and wear rate of NiAl matrix composites were maintained at relatively lower values. The beneficial antifriction and antiwear effects of graphene gradually failed when the applied load was above 8 N. Graphene in NiAl matrix composites played an active role in the formation of a friction layer, which was beneficial to the lower friction coefficient and wear rate. In light of this research, graphene plays an active role in reducing the friction coefficient and wear rate. Hence, graphene has great potential in applications as an effective solid lubricant to promote tribological behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry sliding friction and wear behaviors of TiAl matrix self-lubricating composite (TMSC) containing multilayer graphene (MLG), silver (Ag) and MLG-Ag sliding against SiN balls from 25 to 750 °C were comparatively studied in this paper. The results suggested that TMSC containing MLG-Ag (TMA) showed better tribological properties over the wide temperature range, if compared to TMSC only containing MLG or Ag. Moreover, TMA exhibited the lower fiction coefficient and the less wear rate at 450 °C, which was attributed to the formation of intact lubricating films containing MLG and Ag on the worn surface. Furthermore, in the formed lubricating films, Ag worked as the solid lubricant to provide good lubricating effect, while MLG with high strength played the active role in enhancing the anti-rupture ability of lubricating films. The study indicated that TMA obtained the excellent tribological performance at 450 °C due to the remarkable synergistic effect of MLG and Ag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the effects of friction layer thickness on the tribological performance of NiAl matrix self-lubricating composites containing Ag and MoO tabular crystals (NiAl-Ag-MoO), the dry sliding tribological tests of NiAl-Ag-MoO against SiN ball are undertaken under 4-16 N and 20-800 °C at 0.2 m/s. The results show that the friction layer thickness of NiAl-Ag-MoO is obviously affected by the applied loads and ambient temperatures. At 12 N-400 °C-0.2 m/s, NiAl-Ag-MoO exhibits excellent tribological performance, and the friction layer thickness obtained the maximum value of about 5 µm. Moreover, the simulation results, which based on the building of finite element models with different thickness of the friction layer, indicate that the decreased degree of the maximum equivalent stress in the substrate of NiAl-Ag-MoO with maximum thickness of friction layer is the larger one (about 39%), if compared to other thickness. It could avoid the generation of cracks and the spalling of subsurface materials during the dry sliding process, resulting in the excellent tribological performance. The results could be used to guide the selection of suitable working conditions and study the self-lubricating mechanisms of NiAl-Ag-MoO for having stable friction layer structure and excellent antifriction and antiwear performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The textured surface is one of the hotspots in the field of tribology research on reducing friction and wear. By calculating and optimizing the micro-texture structure, researchers designed and prepared textures with excellent tribological properties on the mechanical part surfaces. In this work, the tribological performance of 42CrMo matrix composite textured surfaces (CTSs) with different textured densities under grease lubrication was studied. The CTS was composed of 42CrMo alloys and SnAgCu-MXenes-Ti 3 C 2 (SACM). The results showed that when the textured density ρ of CTS was 36%, the friction coefficient (0.090) and wear rate (5.4 × 10−9 mm3N−1m−1) of counterpart ball could be respectively reduced by 75.7% and 38.6% compared with those of counterpart ball against the untextured sample. CTS could enhance the stability of friction system. Mxenes-Ti 3 C 2 wrapped by SnAgCu could form the lubricating layer containing sub-micron rollers on the worn surface, effectively reducing the friction and wear of samples under grease conditions. [Display omitted] • The composite textured surfaces (CTSs) were designed and prepared. • MXenes wrapped by SnAgCu could form sub-micrometer rollers in wear scar. • CTS exerted tribological enhancement function under starvation. • CTS could produce excellent synergistic effect with grease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wear fatigue of slewing bearings at the contact areas of raceways (AISI 4140 steel (AS)) and rollers (AISI 52100 steel) seriously reduces the service life of equipment. AS-SnAgCu-TiC composites (AS-SACT) were prepared by filling multi-solid lubricants into surface biomimetic textures of AS to improve the wear resistance. Tribological properties were tested using a block-on-ring tribometer. The materials of block and ring were AS and AISI 52100 steel, respectively. Compared with that of AS, coefficient of friction of AS-SACT was decreased by 67.93%, and wear height was reduced by 42.19%. Wear triggered the diffusion of SnAgCu from the bionic textures to worn surface. The hard phase of nano-TiC was wrapped by a cluster of multi-layer lubricants to form spherical particles, which not only converted sliding to rolling contact, but also repaired pits and furrows on worn surface. Hence, AS-SACT with self-repairing behavior had excellent properties of antifriction and wear resistance. [Display omitted] •Tribological properties of AISI 4140 steel were improved by texture and SnAgCu–TiC. •Average COF of AS-SnAgCu-TiC was 67.93% lower than that of AS (AISI 4140 steel). •Wear defects were filled with solid lubricants to produce self-repairing behavior. •Spherical particles transformed the frictional mode from sliding to rolling. •Nano-TiC particles wrapped by SnAgCu can promote wear defects to be filled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni3Al-MoS2-TiC composites (NMTC) were fabricated using spark plasma sintering. The effect of TiC content on tribological properties and antiwear mechanisms of NMTC at high temperatures was investigated. The results showed that NMTC containing 10 wt% MoS2 and 6 wt% TiC exhibited the excellent tribological properties from 25 to 600°C. At 400°C, NMTC had the lowest friction coefficient of 0.28 and the considerable lower wear rate of 3.02 × 10−5 mm3 N−1 m−1. The excellent tribological properties of NMTC were attributed to the synergetic action of the lubricant-phase MoS2 and reinforcing-phase TiC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A research is conducted on the possible beneficial synergistic effects of multiple additives in self-lubricating composites for use in high temperature friction and wear-related mechanical assemblies. Dry sliding tribological tests of NiAl matrix self-lubricating composites (NMSCs) on a HT-1000 ball-on-disk high-temperature tribometer are undertaken against SiN at 25-800 °C. The results show that the subsurface microstructures beneath wear scar of NMSCs change with addition of different lubricants, which have great effects on tribological mechanisms and tribological performances. NMSC with addition of MoS and TiSiC exhibits distinct subsurface microstructure beneath wear scar and excellent tribological performance among all samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiB was chosen to further improve the tribological properties of TiAl matrix self-lubricating composites containing Ag. The possible synergetic action of a combination of TiB and Ag was investigated using a pin-on-disk high temperature tribometer from room temperature to 600 °C. The tribological test results indicated that the addition of TiB obviously enhanced the wear resistance of the composites over a wide temperature range. Moreover, the composites containing TiB had a low friction coefficient at 600 °C. The subsurface analysis of cross sections of worn surfaces showed that TiB played the role in wear-resistant skeleton and restricted the plastic flow of Ag during dry friction process. The investigation showed that TiB and Ag could exhibit good synergistic effect on improving the tribological properties of composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, reducing friction and wear-related adverse impacts on efficiency and durability in moving mechanical systems has gained increased attention. Herein, the search continues for novel materials and lubricants that can potentially reduce friction and wear. As one of the emerging self-lubricating materials, the tribological potential of graphene has been researched deeply. This article was dedicated to explore the combined lubrication of multilayer graphene (MLG) and WS. The as-prepared sample of NiAl-1.5 wt% MLG-5 wt% WS (NB) exhibited excellent tribological properties. During the sliding process, a continuous lubricating film was formed to provide the low-strength junctions at the interface, reducing the friction coefficient and wear rate. Moreover, the MLG played the role of reinforcement particles and improved loading carrying ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Tribological properties of NATMs from RT to 800°C were tested. [•] Ti3SiC2–MoS2 brought about an improvement in tribological behavior of NATMs. [•] Synergetic effect of Ti3SiC2–MoS2 was key to tribological performance of NATMs. [•] NATM5 showed the best self-lubricating performance and tribological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Tribological properties of NMSC from RT to 800°C were tested. [•] Tribological properties of NMSC strongly depended on the addition content of WAh. [•] WAh and TiC brought about an improvement in tribological properties of NMSC. [•] NE showed the excellent tribological properties from RT to 800°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry sliding tribological properties of TiAl matrix self-lubricating composites (TMSC) containing Ag, TiSiC, Ag and TiSiC were investigated from 25 to 800 °C under ball-on-disk test conditions against SiN counterface under the same conditions of 10 N-0.234 m/s. The results indicated that the tribological properties were strongly dependent on the lubricant additives. TMSC with the addition of Ag and TiSiC (TAT) exhibited the lower friction coefficients (0.32-0.43) and less wear rates (1.23-4.13 × 10 mm Nm) in the wide temperature range of 25-800 °C. The excellent tribological properties of TAT over the wide temperature range were attributed to the synergetic effect of Ag and TiSiC lubricants, silver diffusion forming a rich-silver smooth tribo-film on the frictional surface of TAT at low and moderate temperatures from 25 to 400 °C, while TiSiC oxidation reaction forming rich-oxide tribo-film on the worn surface of TAT at higher temperatures of 600 and 800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Tribological properties of TMSC from RT to 600°C are tested. [•] ATBC brings about an improvement in tribological behavior of TMSC. [•] Synergetic effect of ATBC is key to tribological performance of TMSC. [•] TB shows the best self-lubricating performance and tribological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dry sliding tribological behavior of TiAl matrix self-lubricating composites (TMSCs) containing silver against Si3N4 was investigated from 25 to 800°C at the condition of 10N–0.234m/s. The results indicated that the friction coefficients increased with the increase in test temperature. Moreover, the friction coefficients of TMSC containing silver were lower than that of the base alloy at all the temperatures, which was attributed to the synergetic effect of Ag and Ti2AlC lubricants. TMSC containing 10wt% silver exhibited the best tribological properties over the wide temperature range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dry sliding tribological tests of Ni3Al matrix self-lubricating composites (NMSC) with addition of 15wt% Ti3SiC2 are undertaken against Si3N4, Al2O3, WC-6Co at 25–800°C. The results show that the tribological properties are strongly dependent on the counterface materials. NMSC against Si3N4 shows the lower friction coefficients (0.31–0.48) and wear rates (0.34–2.1×10−5 mm3 N−1 m−1) from 25 to 800°C, while there is no clear difference in tribological performance of NMSC against Al2O3 or WC-6Co. NMSC against Si3N4 may be the optimal design for the excellently tribological performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by microstructures on tree frog surface, this article designs bionic micro-texture combined with solid lubrication SnAgCu to improve the tribological properties of AISI 4140 steel. The optimized bionic texture parameters are obtained by RSM. Tribological tests were carried out on Optimal Test (OT), Optimal Prediction (OP) and Control Group (CG). Compared with OT, the discontinuous layer phenomenon on wear track of OP is significantly reduced, lubricant content is increased, and numbers of pits near the textures are reduced. A uniform thickness of 2.4 µm lubricating film was formed on worn surface of OP, and the film was well bonded with substrate. Consequently, optimizing the micro-texture by RSM can significantly improve the tribological properties of AISI 4140 steel. [Display omitted] • Optimizing the bionic texture can significantly improve the tribological properties. • The optimized bionic texture parameters are obtained by RSM. • The bionic hexagon structure on the surface of AISI 4140 steel is designed. • The OP has better lubricating effect and anti-friction and wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To expand the applications of MXene-Ti 3 C 2 in solid-liquid lubrication system, CSS-42L smooth surfaces (SSs), groove surfaces (GSs), groove with Sn-Ag-Cu composite surfaces (GSs-SAC) and groove with Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti 3 C 2 composite surfaces (GSs-SACT) are prepared. The tribological behaviors of samples under dry friction and oil lubrication are studied. The results show that Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti 3 C 2 has the excellent oil film adsorption capacity. The micro-hydrodynamic effects of oil in the grooves are produced under oil lubrication. The synergistic effects of oil, Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti 3 C 2 and grooves reduce the fluctuation amplitudes of friction force and load, improving bearing capacity of oil film and profile characteristics on the surfaces. GSs-SACT with uniform and smooth profiles shows the tribochemical wear and obtains the excellent antifriction and wear resistance properties. [Display omitted] • The change rules of friction forces and load are improved on GSs-SACT. • Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti 3 C 2 with excellent wettability promotes the oil-film adsorption on GSs-SACT. • The synergistic effects of Sn-Ag-Cu-Ti 3 C 2 , groove and oil show excellent antifriction. • GSs-SACT with uniform and smooth profiles has excellent wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the failure of liquid lubricants in the fields of energy equipment and aerospace industry, the synergistic effect of surface micro-textures and solid lubricants is a promising approach to solve the problem. This paper sought to improve the tribological performance by designing the surface composite structure on a Ni 3 Al metal matrix, in which surface micro-textures were filled by solid lubricants 96.5Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu alloys (SAC305). Dry reciprocating sliding tests were conducted as a basic assessment for synergistic lubricating analysis of surface composite structure. Results showed that the composite structure with the surface texture density of 28% and deposited SAC305 alloys had the lowest friction coefficient (0.39) and mean wear volume (0.37mm3) in comparison with other prepared samples. The reasons of the surface composite structure reducing the friction and wear of Ni 3 Al alloys mainly are that SAC305 alloys deposited into surface micro-grooves can improve the capacities of load-carrying and resistance to plastic deformation of the contact surface, and a SAC305 lubricating film formed on contact interface can reduce the direct contact between the counterpart ball and Ni 3 Al matrix. The Ni 3 Sn 2 phase generated at the interface under the roles of friction behavior, which acts as a transiting layer to connect Ni 3 Al matrix and SAC305 alloys, promotes the formation of the self-adaptive friction structure. Moreover, the interconnection between the dynamic change of the friction coefficient and a lubricating film formed on contact interface was established, which could be used to evaluate the wear characteristics applied in the engineering field under harsh conditions. Unlabelled Image • Composite structure of surface grooves and solid lubricant was prepared successfully. • The surface texture density of 28% and deposited SAC305 alloys showed the excellent tribological performance. • A SAC305 lubricating film formed on contact interface can reduce the direct contact of friction pair. • Dynamic change of the friction coefficient can evaluate the wear characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the tribological properties of AISI 4140 steel (AS) by texture combined with SnAgCu (SAC) will cause the loss of lubricants too fast. Herein, problem was solved by adding MXene-Ti 3 C 2 /nano-TiC (MNT) into SAC to prepare multi-solid lubricants. Friction tests with contact pressures of 219.07, 347.76 and 471.98 MPa were respectively carried out to study effect of lubricant components and contents (0–10 wt%) on tribological properties of AS under starved lubrication. Compared with those of AS-SAC, COF and wear depth of AS-SAC-MNT containing 4 wt% MNT were decreased by 24.29% and 41.59%, respectively. The excellent tribological properties of AS-SAC-MNT were attributed to the formation of a stable solid lubricating film and improved adsorption ability of material to oil. [Display omitted] • Tribological properties under starved lubrication were investigated. • Components and contents of MXene-Ti 3 C 2 /nano-TiC in SnAgCu (SAC-MNT) were studied. • Textured AS filled with SAC-4 wt% MNT (AS-SAC-MNT) showed excellent properties. • Compared with AS-SAC, COF of AS-SAC-MNT was decreased by 24.29%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the insufficient lubrication of slewing bearing, this study investigates the tribological properties of 42CrMo bionic textured composite surface (BTCS) with different densities under MXenes-Ti 3 C 2 lithium composite grease (MLCG). Inspired by the micro-texture characteristics of the clamshell, BTCS is composed of 42CrMo and Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) alloy. The results indicate that the tribological performance of BTCS (ρ = 38%) is improved most significantly, the average friction coefficient (0.056) and wear rate (6.4 ×10−8 mm3N−1m−1) of the counterpart ball reach the minimum, and the worn surface is fine and smooth. This is mainly attributed to the synergistic self-repairing effect of MXenes-Ti 3 C 2 and SAC on the worn surface. Furthermore, SAC particles act as submicron rolling bearings, transforming the friction form into rolling-sliding. [Display omitted] • Bionic textured composite surface (BTCS) was designed and fabricated. • MXenes and SAC particles could achieve the synergistic self-repairing effect. • SAC particles could act as submicron rolling bearings on the worn surface. • BTCS can significantly improve the tribological properties under starvation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An ordered patterning composite (OPC) structures are bio-inspired by shells. • The surface texture density promotes the formation of lubricating film. • The excellent tribological properties of OPC structures depends on the materials properties, components, and surface texture density. • The self-compensating lubrication behaviors are explained by theoretical models and experiments. Composite surface structures inspired by biological characteristics have the potential to strengthen the synergistic effects of surface micro-textures and solid lubricants by improving their tribological properties. This investigation sought to discuss the lubrication mechanisms by designing bio-inspired shell-like Ni 3 Al matrix composite surface structure, in which an ordered patterning composite (OPC) structures contained Ni 3 Al matrix and solid lubricants Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu(SAC305) alloys. Reciprocating dry sliding tests of OPC structures with different surface texture densities against high-carbon steel balls were performed, and the results were compared to those for orderly pattern (OP) structures without the SAC305 alloy. The results showed that the appropriate volume fraction of the SAC305 alloy should further promote decreases in the friction coefficients and wear losses. This could be attributed to the self-compensating lubrication behaviors of the SAC305 alloy. It formed a lubricating film with a certain area and thickness, which should be controlled by the material properties and components of the bio-composite surface structures, as well as the surface texture density. Additionally, methods based on a combination of theoretical models and experimental measurements further confirmed that the soft and hard materials of the OPC structure played different roles. The soft material (SAC305 alloy), which had a high surface energy and low hardness, had a better material transfer tendency than the hard material (Ni 3 Al matrix), which had a low surface energy and high hardness. This resulted in the formation of a transfer film and the occurrence of self-compensating lubrication behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]