Wear of Al2O3-SiC-(Al,Si) melt oxidised ceramic composites

Al2O3-SiC-(Al,Si) cermets are fabricated using the melt oxidation route. Th e tribological properties of the composites are tested under adhesive slidi ng and two body abrasion conditions. Under adhesive conditions, the network of residual aluminium in the matrix plays a role in the formation of a thi n tribofilm on the interface while in abrasion the hardness of the composit e plays a prominent tribological role. The work suggests that microstructur al control can make this low temperature composite competitive with the con ventional high temperature monolithic ceramics. (C) 1999 Published by Elsev ier Science S.A. All rights reserved.