The paper analyzes the advantages and limitations of the major types of monolithic structural ceramics currently in use for tribological applications in abrasive and aggressive media.

Limitations inherent to the material, as well as processing and geometry limitations narrowing the scope of possible designs and dimensions of the wear-resistant tribological structural ceramics are discussed.

Transition from monolithic ceramics to fiber composites with ceramic matrix enables a number of advances, which are demonstrated through comparing the physical, mechanical, and tribological parameters of the two classes of materials: monolithic SiC ceramics and fiber-reinforced С_f/n/- SiC composite.

Two key structural factors influencing the optimization of the physical, mechanical and tribological behaviour of the composite are discussed:

· Nanostructured barrier coating on carbon fibre

· Special ‘working’ tribological layer (functionally graded structure of the composite).

Hierarchical structural features of the nanostructured ceramic matrix composite (NCMC) were characterized by means of light and scanning electron microscopy.

Major tribological parameters of the both classes of materials are diagnosed, and feasibility of using NCMC in tribological assemblies of slide bearings is demonstrated. Correlations between NCMC structure and critical specific load on tribological assembly are discussed.

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