Influence of carbon fibre content on the processing and tribological properties of silicon nitride/carbon fibre composites

Si3N4/carbon fibre composites have been fabricated, and the effect of fibre content on the tribological properties was investigated under dry sliding conditions. The friction coefficient of the composites was around 30% of that of a monolithic Si3N4 composite. A fibre content of 5 vol.% was sufficient to maintain a graphite interface during the sliding tests, such that the friction coefficient did not decrease further with increasing graphite fibre content above this level. The carbon fibre content was effective for maintaining a low friction coefficient throughout the duration of the experiment.