Tribology of SiC ceramics under lubrication: Features, developments, and perspectives

Silicon carbide ceramics have many outstanding properties like high hardness, high thermal conductivity, high strength, low density, good electrical conductivity, good chemical resistance, and excellent wear resistance. Because of their valuable properties, SiC ceramics are helpful in various tribological applications. In this paper, the features and developments of tribology of SiC ceramics under lubrication are reviewed. The relevant strategies to enhance the tribological performance of SiC ceramics under lubrication, including microstructures, mechanical properties, surface characteristics, external factors, and secondary phases, are comprehensively discussed. The tribochemical reactions and Stribeck curves of SiC ceramics are also presented. Finally, future research directions of SiC ceramics in the field of tribology under lubrication are proposed. This paper aims to offer some theoretical basis for the design of low-friction and low-wear SiC ceramics under lubrication in the future and a better understanding of SiC ceramics used as various tribological components under lubrication.