Microstructure and tribological properties of SiC matrix composites infiltrated with an aluminium alloy

A simple melt infiltration process was adopted to form Ti3Si(Al)C2 on the surface of SiC ceramics. The Ti3Si(Al)C2 content increases with longer infiltration at 900 °C. At 1000 °C, the reaction layer contains mainly TiC and SiC. The tribological properties of the samples were investigated by wear testing. The hardness of the SiC ceramic with a Ti3Si(Al)C2 layer is 610 ± 82 HV, while its friction coefficient is 0.34-0.38, which is ∼75% that of pristine SiC. The Ti3Si(Al)C2 layer produced a good antifriction effect because plastic deformation occurs in the Ti3Si(Al)C2, and Ti3Si(Al)C2 debris continually fills in the grooves during wear.