Effect of load on the tribological properties of Si3N4-hBN composite ceramics sliding against Si3N4

Abstract

PurposeThe effect of the load on the tribological properties of Si3N4-hBN sliding against Si3N4 were investigated under dry and water lubrication condition.Design/methodology/approachUsing a MMU-5G type pin-on-disc friction and wear tester.FindingsUnder the dry friction, the wear mechanism was dominated by ploughing and abrasive wear, and the contact status was elastic contact under the load less than 25 N. With the increase of the load, the friction coefficient decreased; the main wear mechanism was fatigue fracture, and the contact status turned into plastic contact. Under water lubrication, effective lubrication film could be produced on the worn surface, and it had a function of fluid lubrication under the load less than 15 N. With the increase of the load, the pin and the disc came into direct contact, and the friction and wear of the pairs were aggravated; the wear mechanism changed from chemical wear into abrasive wear and brittle spalling.Originality/valueThe study on the effect of the load on the tribological properties of Si3N4-hBN sliding against Si3N4 was investigated under dry and water lubrication condition in the way of contact stress.