Tribological properties of Mo and CaF2 added SiC matrix composites at elevated temperatures

SiC matrix high temperature solid-lubricating composites with addition of different contents of CaF2 and Mo were fabricated by hot pressed sintering, and their tribological behavior was investigated over a broad temperature range between room temperature to 1000 °C. It was found SiC matrix composite with addition of 20 vol% Mo and 30 vol% CaF2 to exhibit excellent solid lubricity and wear resistance. Especially at 1000 °C, it has the lowest friction coefficient of 0.17 and a favorable wear rate of 4.08×10−6 mm3/N m. The low friction and wear mechanisms were discussed in detail.