A study of the SiC-L composite ceramics for self-lubrication

Two kinds of composite ceramics are obtained by impregnating the porous SiC with melted fluorides and nickel. Using a pin-on-disk tribometer, the unlubricated tribological properties at temperatures of 15, 300 and 600degreesC are investigated for the composite ceramics. The results show that the composite ceramics exhibit self-lubricating property at 600degreesC. Meanwhile, micro-fracture on the worn surface is observed by SEM analysis. It is considered that the micro-fracture makes the lubricants in holes emerged and operated on the friction surface. Finally, the factors influencing the self-lubricating properties of the composite ceramics are discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.