Characterization of surface grooves and scratches induced by friction of C/C composites at low and high temperatures

Friction experiments were conducted on C/C composites at low and high temperatures during braking with the use of a pin-on-disc tribometer. The surface grooves formed were investigated by an optical camera and a laser profilometer, while scratches were characterized by optical microscopy. Damages were correlated with tribological performances (friction and wear). It is shown that friction at low temperature leads to high friction coefficient and wear rate, and to surfaces strongly grooved and abraded. For friction experiments performed at high temperature, they lead to lower friction coefficient and wear, and the resulting surfaces are rather smooth and slightly grooved.