Influence of surface roughness parameters and surface morphology on friction performance of ceramics

Influence of both surface roughness and surface morphology on frictional behavior of ceramics during run-in period under dry sliding was investigated simultaneously. Similar average surface roughness (Ra = 0.01–0.02 µm) was produced for the three ceramics: monolithic boron carbide ceramics, boron carbide-silicon carbide composite ceramics and monolithic silicon carbide ceramics. Surface roughness parameters show some influence on friction processes, however, surface morphology is considered as a more important competitive factor. Lower friction coefficient during run-in period and shorter sliding distance up to the steady state condition were observed for the B4C–SiC composite ceramics, which has a different surface morphology from those of monolithic B4C ceramics and monolithic SiC ceramics.