Abstract
Generally, for the composite material in solid lubricant condition, the distribution of solid lubricant as well as its characteristic is expected to affect the tribological properties of the composite. In this investigation, alternate layered composites composed of monolithic Si3N4 and Si3N4 with 20% h-BN layers were fabricated by stacking the composite layers alternatively in a form of green sheet, and subsequently, hot-pressed. Tribological properties were evaluated on the side plane of the layered composites using Block-on- ring test in dry sliding conditions. The layered composites were found to have higher wear resistance than single composite. In the layered composites, during initial sliding Si3N4/BN layers were selectively worn and hence provided for the solid lbricant to spread effectively over the the sliding surface. Here, h-BN played a major role in improving the wear resistance of the composites.
