This paper presents an influence of reinforcement and additions types on tribological properties for composite materials produced for potential application in high loaded friction point. The influence of carbon nanotubes or amorphous form of carbon on tribological properties was subject of authors' interest. A technology of materials manufacturing based on preparation of composite powders using high energy ball milling, with subsequent hot pressing in the semi-liquid phase. All materials based on an aluminum alloys, with silicon carbide (SiC) or silicon nitride particles (Si3N4) applied as a reinforcement. As a additions 1 wt.% of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) or 5 wt.% of glassy carbon particles (GCp) were used. A proper parameters selection (speed, powder to ball ratio, time ect.) of high energy milling led to fragmentation of ceramic particles up to nano- or submicro scale with desirable homogenization in whole volume of solid material. Due to partially crushed of glassy carbon particles, their size was between 2 – 200 μm. However GCp revealed also proper distribution in volume of composite. Moreover, the good quality of bonding between matrix and reinforcement particles were achieved due to high energy during milling.
For manufactured materials a rating of tribological properties (coefficient of friction, wear rate, ect.) at ambient and high temperature were made. The research confirmed that, due to desirable coefficient of friction (COF) value and low mass loss, manufactured materials can be applied in automotive industry, eg. for brake pads. A high stability of COF on desirable value (0.5 – 0.8) was observed up to temperature higher than 500 °C. The application of carbon additions resulted in increasing of friction properties. The material with silicon nitride as a reinforcement and glassy carbon particles addition revealed the best friction properties between analysed materials.
