Abstract
The effects of trapped wear particles and environments on the friction and wear characteristics of pressureless sintered silicon carbide were examined using a 3-pin/disc-type machine. The main wear mechanism was brittle fracture with both argon and oxygen environments. Trapping of wear particles as large as 10 to 20μm in diameter which were generated in the initial stage of each run brought about high and erratic friction irrespective of the environment. The large wear particles underwent fragmentation as sliding progressed. Trapping of small particles and formation of a transfer surface film resulted in a decrease in friction and wear. The extents of the decrease in friction and wear were considerably greater in oxygen than in argon, since in oxygen the wear particles and transfer films consisted mainly of silicon dioxide which is soft and brittle and forms a transfer film more easily than silicon carbide.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
