Ceramics-Silikáty 52, (1) 37 - 44 (2008)

The coefficient of friction and wear resistance of 2D carbon–carbon composite and of a surface layer of pyrolytic carbon were determined. To explain these results, we also measured the surface roughness and microhardness of both the composite and the layer. This material system is often used in biomedical applications (bone and joint implants), machinery sliding parts of bearings and in the aircraft industry (parts of the braking system). We studied the samples both with native ("as prepared") surfaces and also with surfaces prepared by grinding and polishing, to obtain samples with various roughness. The lowest friction coefficient was found for polished composite surface. On the other hand, the cover of pyrolitic carbon on composite improved the wear resistance. The measurements demonstrate good tribological properties of the surfaces suitable for many applications.