The Influence of Environmental Atmosphere on the Tribological Performance of C/C Composites under Electrical Current

The friction and wear tests were carried out on an HST-100 type high-speed friction and wear testing machine with a pin-on-disc configuration under electric current. The effects of atmosphere (air and nitrogen) on wear rate and friction coefficient of C/C composite pin sliding against QCr0.5 disc were investigated. It is found that the friction coefficient in nitrogen was higher than in air atmosphere while the wear rate in nitrogen was lower than in air. The worn surface morphology and composition were observed by scanning electron microscope) and energy dispersion spectrum analyzer, respectively. The mechanism of atmosphere on the wear rate and friction coefficient was explained.