Electric potentials effects on friction between silicon carbide surfaces in aqueous solutions

The effects of electric potentials on the friction and wear behaviors of silicon carbide in aqueous solution were investigated. A pin-on-disc tester was modified to study SiC under the influence of electric potentials between -1 and +1 V (vs. Hg/HgCl). It was observed that both the friction coefficient and wear rates of SiC were decreased under the electric polarization. Friction coefficient was shown to be a function of potential and reached a maximum at the potential of open circuit potential (-260 mv Vs. Hg/HgCl).