The friction and wear properties of the silicon carbide - silicon nitride composites prepared by liquid-phase-sintering were investigated. The results were compared to those obtained for a reference silicon carbide material, prepared by the same fabrication route. Dry pin-on-disc tests were conducted in air at room temperature under load of 5 N. Mechanical wear (micro-fracture) and tribochemical reactions were found as the main wear mechanisms in all investigated materials. The heat treatment at 1850 degrees C/5 h and addition of 10 wt.% silicon nitride into microstructure of silicon carbide had a negative effect on wear resistance of silicon carbide ceramics.