A study of B₄C‐SiC composite for self‐lubrication

Abstract

A B4C‐SiC composite without annealing and two B4C‐SiC composites followed by annealing at 1000℃ and 1200℃ for 1 hour in air, respectively, were prepared. The tribological properties of the three composites were evaluated by sliding against SiC balls at room temperature under unlubricated conditions. The B4C‐SiC composite can obtain lower friction coefficient by annealing at 1000℃, whereas the friction coefficient of B4C‐SiC composite annealed at 1200℃ was significantly increased. The cause for this difference was ascribed to different surface compositions after annealing. The mechanism of self‐lubrication of the B4C‐SiC composite was the formation of H3BO3 layer.

Recent progress in B4C–SiC composite ceramics: processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties

“…As a novel ceramic material with low friction and low wear, B 4 C-SiC ceramics exhibit satisfactory tribological properties under both unlubricated and water-lubricated sliding conditions. [226][227][228][229][230][231][232] However, the tribological properties of the solid-state sintered B 4 C-SiC ceramics under high load need to be further improved due to the relatively low fracture toughness. 233 Therefore, how to improve the tribological properties of B 4 C-SiC ceramics under harsh conditions by controlling their mechanical properties remains to be further studied.…”