Friction and Wear Properties of 3D Carbon/Silicon Carbide Composites Prepared by Liquid Silicon Infiltration

Carbon/silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites were prepared by a liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) process and their microstructure and friction and wear properties studied. The matrices of the C/C green bodies were found to be reinforced with dense carbon fiber bundles hanging together. The density of the composites before and after the LSI process was 1.25 and 1.94 g/cm(3), respectively. However, the open porosity of C/SiC composites was about 16% due to the opening of closed pores during the machining process. The C/SiC composites exhibited excellent tribological properties in the dry condition, with an average coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate of about 0.29 and 16.15 mu g/m MPa, respectively. In comparison, the average COF was about 0.13 in the moist condition, with a wear rate of 5.87 mu g/m MPa. The main wear mechanism of the C/SiC composites was worn particles and debris with a high degree of hardness, producing a plough effect on the friction surface in the dry condition and an adhesive effect in the moist condition.