Reciprocating sliding wear studies on Si/SiC ceramic composites

The reciprocating sliding friction and wear characteristics of five Si/SiC ceramic composites having different microstructures have been studied. The Si/SiC ceramic composites were prepared using natural materials, such as cotton fiber, wood powder, and jute fiber. The respective polymer composites were made from phenolic resin and then converted into Si/SiC ceramic composites by pyrolysis and liquid silicon infiltration. Friction and wear testing of these materials were carried out under dry and wet lubrication conditions using the ball-on-disk configuration. The influence of sliding distance and lubrication condition on the friction coefficient and specific wear rate of all the above ceramic composites has been studied. Friction and wear behavior of these ceramic composites are correlated to the microstructure. The microstructural details of the worn surfaces are also observed to get further input on the friction and wear behavior.

► Wear characteristics of five Si/SiC ceramic composites have been studied.
► There are two different wear mechanisms under dry and wet condition.
► Under dry sliding condition the retained carbon is acting as a lubricant.
► During wet sliding, tribochemical film is responsible for the low wear rate.