Research on tribology of bismaleimide Materials filled with graphite and namometer Si₃N₄

The bismaleimide composite materials filled with graphite and nanometer Si₃N₄ were made by casting method. The effects of graphite and nanometer Si₃N₄ content on tribological properties were evaluated. The morphology of the composite worn surface was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy, and the wear mechanism of composite materials was also investigated. The result shows that nanometer Si₃N₄ has better effect on decreasing the friction and wear of bismaleimide polymer composites than graphite. Especially, the friction coefficient of the pair was lowered from 0.36 to 0.25 and the wear rate was lowered by 72% when the composite contained 1.5% (mass fraction) nanometer Si₃N₄.