The Situation of the Tribological Research for Ceramics

A review is given of recent study on the friction, wear and lubrication of ceramics. The tribological properties of ceramics (oxide ceramics and nonoxide ceramics) under unlubricated and lubricated conditions were summarized. In particular, the friction and wear properties of oxide ceramics (A12O3, ZrO2) and nonoxide ceramics (Si3N4, SiC) and their wear mechanisms as well as the effects of water, humidity and lubricating oils on their friction and wear properties were discussed. Accordingly, the problems to be further solved are proposed.