Effect of sliding condition and wear surface state on the tribological behaviour of SiC_p/Cu composite

Abstract

The present work was undertaken to investigate the effect of sliding condition and wear surface state on the dry sliding wear behaviour of SiCp/Cu composite. Three kinds of sliding conditions, namely continuous sliding, interrupted sliding, and interrupted and cleaning sliding were employed. It was observed that a compact mechanically mixed layer (MML) was present on the worn surface of the composite, which effectively decreased the wear loss of the sliding pair. The new running in period of the interrupted tests led to breakage of the MML. Sufficient sliding and entrapment of wear debris in the contact region were two important preconditions for the formation of an MML. Therefore, continuous sliding or long period sliding is favoured to extend the life of this dry tribosystem.