Structures formed during the friction of a metal-ceramic composite on steel under high-velocity sliding conditions

We present the results of investigations of the structures of friction surfaces and tribological characteristics of a ceramic-metal (WC-steel 110G13) composite upon dry friction on steel in a rod-on-disk configuration in a range of sliding velocities from 0.65 to 40 m/s at a pressure of 2 MPa. The region of catastrophic wear in this system is observed at 23-30 m/s and is followed by a region of steady-state wear at a sliding velocity above 30 m/s. The sharp increase in the rate of wear at 23-30 m/s is related to a change in the wear mechanism. It is established that three layers with different structures and properties are formed in the WC-steel 110G13 composite near the friction surface.