Influence of SiC addition on tribological properties of SiAlON

The tribological properties of gas pressure sintered SiAlON and its composite with 18 wt% silicon carbide (SiC) against two different mating materials, i.e., alumina and SiAlON are evaluated. SiAlON and SiAlON–18%SiC composite ceramics were prepared by pressure less sintering and gas pressure sintering. Fretting wear tests were carried out under dry unlubricated ambient conditions (room temperature 23–25 °C; relative humidity 50–55%) with a load of 8 N for 45,000 cycles. Friction and wear properties of SiAlON–SiC proved better than the monolithic SiAlON. The formation of silica roll like structure on the composite worn surface was observed.