Tribological behavior and wear mechanism of C/C–SiC brake discs based on third‐body layer

Abstract C/C–SiC composites are promising candidates for heavy‐duty tracked vehicle brake discs. A third‐body layer (TBL) can be formed on the surface of C/C–SiC self‐mated brake discs, which has an important impact on tribological behavior and wear mechanism of brake discs. Herein, the formation conditions and evolution process of TBL and its effect on friction and wear properties were investigated. An appropriate braking pressure and speed ( P and V ) are beneficial to the cutting of asperities and refinement of wear debris on the contact surface, which are preconditions for the formation of original TBL. The original TBL can be formed under the P·V of 12, 15, and 16, which effectively improve braking stability and reduce the wear rate. During the continuous braking process, the original TBL undergoes growth, stabilization, destruction, and regeneration. Under the frictional heat and compressive stress, wear debris gradually evolves into a uniform and dense TBL. The average coefficient of friction and wear rate reach to the lowest value of .446 and 38.5 × 10 −3 cm 3 /MJ, respectively. A continuous high temperature in the later stages of braking leads to severe oxidative wear. The newly formed TBL covers the original surface to form a multilayered structure, indicating the TBL undergoes destruction and regeneration.