Effect of biomass-derived carbon on high-temperature tribological performance of nickel-based alloy composites

Nickel-based alloy composites are high-temperature wear-resistant materials used in extreme environments such as nuclear reactors and aerospace engines. While offering excellent mechanical properties, their tribological performance under high temperatures requires significant enhancement. In this work, we present a sustainable approach utilizing biomass-derived onion-like carbon (OLC) to address this challenge. OLC was successfully synthesized through catalytic pyrolysis of rice husk ash (RHA) and incorporated into a nickel–chromium-molybdenum-titanium-aluminum alloy matrix via powder metallurgy, with different mass fractions (0-7 wt%). The composites were systematically evaluated using high-temperature micro-tribological tester, with post-test characterization performed by SEM/EDS and LSM. Results demonstrate that 3 wt% OLC represents an optimal concentration, enhancing hardness by 114 % and significantly improving interfacial bonding strength. During high-temperature friction, OLC particles facilitate pore-filling and interface optimization, subsequently forming both continuous carbon films and composite oxide layers (NiO, Cr 2 O 3 , Ni 3 C) that effectively isolate friction pairs. First-principles calculations reveal that OLC’s spherical nanostructure induces lower interfacial adhesion and reduced sliding energy barriers compared to conventional graphene. The combined experimental and theoretical approach establishes a comprehensive understanding of the multi-mode lubrication mechanism, highlighting OLC’s dual role in surface protection and wear-debris suppression. Our work provides valuable guidance for developing high-performance, sustainable nickel-based composites for demanding high-temperature applications.