Study on Friction and Wear Properties of SiC/ZrO₂ Composite Ceramics

SiC/ZrO₂ composite ceramics were prepared by vacuum hot-pressing sintering technology. Using the characteristic of SiC to heal cracks after oxidation, the composite ceramics were heat-treated and tested for wear resistance using wear tester, and the effect of SiC on friction and wear performance of composite ceramics were analyzed. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite ceramics were tested, the surface morphology, element distribution and analyzing phase were observed. The results show that, after the heat treatment of the SiC/ZrO₂ composite ceramics, the molten phase appears on the surface, and the friction coefficient has a downward trend. However, the surface pores appearance and roughness increase leads to an increase in the amount of wear.The wear mechanism is fracture wear and abrasive wear caused by brittle fracture.