Tribological behavior of carbon fiber reinforced ZrB2 based ultra high temperature ceramics

The tribological behavior of ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) was investigated to understand these materials in friction applications. Samples consisting of pitch-based randomly orientated chopped carbon fiber (CF) reinforced ZrB2-10 vol% SiC were prepared (ZS). The tribological behavior was tested on a self-designed dynamometer, coupling the UHTCMC pads with either carbon fiber reinforced carbon silicon carbide (C/C-SiC) or steel disks, with two applied contact pressures (1 and 3 MPa) and the surface microstructures were analyzed to unravel the wear mechanisms. Even at high mechanical stresses, tests against the C/ C-SiC disk showed stable braking performance and wear. The abraded material from a steel disk formed a stable friction film by fusing together harder pad particles with abraded steel, which reduced wear and stabilized the braking performance. The high values of coefficient of friction obtained (0.5–0.7), their stability during the braking and the acceptable wear rate make these materials appealing for automotive brake applications.