Ceramic particulate composites in the system SiC-TiC-TiB2 sliding against SiC and Al2O3 under water

The tribological behaviour of SiC, SiC-TiC and SiC-TiC-TiB2 was determined in oscillating sliding against SiC and alpha-Al2O3 in water at room temperature. The tribe-systems with the composite materials containing TiC and TiB2 differ significantly from the systems with the single phase SiC: The wear is reduced and the friction is increased. The wear reduction up to a factor of 10 is mainly due to the formation of an oxide film containing titanium oxides which is soft, stable in water and well adhering to the bulk material. This oxide film is transferred to the alumina ball but not to the silicon carbide ball. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.