Friction and wear properties of graphite/glassy carbon composites

This paper describes the results of an experimental study of the friction and wear properties of graphite/glassy carbon (G/GC) composites. The frictional tests were performed in ambient air with a pin-on-disk friction apparatus. When the composition of graphite and glassy carbon was changed, the G/GC composite with 34 vol.% graphite content showed the lowest friction coefficient (μ≒0.13) and that with 24 vol.% graphite content showed the lowest specific wear amount (Ws≒2×10−7 mm3/Nm) at this test conditions. Compared with graphite and glassy carbon, G/GC composites showed lower friction coefficients and lower specific wear amounts. Consequently, G/GC composites are expected to be useful as self-lubricating materials.