Carbon-fibre reinforced glass matrix composites: self-lubricating materials for wear applications in vacuum

Abstract

The self-lubricating wear behaviour of a C-fibre reinforced borosilicate glass matrix composite in vacuum was investigated by using a rotating pump experimental facility. The vanes were made of the composite material and the stator of the pump was of cast iron. Glass composite wear was accompanied by material transfer onto the stator surface. The formation of isle-type and continuous graphitic films on the counter-body surface was observed. The continuous film provided adequate lubrication during friction, leading to a relatively low wear rate of the composite for the conditions investigated.