Abstract
The anisotropy of silicon carbide whisker reinforced alumina (Al2O3/SiCw) in friction and wear was evaluated by the wear test against Inconel X-750 at high sliding speed. Coefficient of friction of Al2O3/SiCw was greater than that of Al2O3 and varied with direction angle θ by the factor of about two. It gave a maximum at θ=30°, while minimum at θ=150°. Wear rate of Al2O3/SiCw was smaller than that of Al2O3 and varied with θ by the factor of about three. It took maximum values at θ=30° and/or 150°, while minimum values at θ=0° and/or 90°. When θ=150°, however, Al2O3/SiCw hardly differs from Al2O3 in friction and wear. Thus, SiC whisker contributes little to the improvement of wear resistance of Al2O3 at the direction angle.
