Friction and Wear Behaviors of Si₃N₄ Sliding against M50 Bearing Steel in Vacuum

The friction and wear performances of Si3N4 ceramics sliding against bearing steel and to find optimal operating condition against M50 bearing steel couples under high vacuum surroundings were investigated. The tests were studied on the ball-disk machine under different loads and steady sliding velocity. The worn surfaces of tested samples were examined using optical microscope，SEM and XPS. The results showed that the friction coefficient of Si3N4 was decided by the applied load, the critical load of Si3N4’ friction coefficient was 10N applied load; The critical load of Si3N4’ specific wear rate was 5N applied load, the specific wear rate of Si3N4 drop rapidly as the applied load exceeded the critical load; The dominant wear mechanisms of Si3N4 ceramics were adhesion wear, brittle facture and furrow wear in vacuum.