COMPOSITE ARTICLES, WEAR PLATES WITH CERAMIC, LUBRICIOUS AND METAL COMPONENTS|AND CORRESPONDING MAKING METHODS

摘要

A fifth wheel hitch (100), comprising: a hitch bearing plate (10) having an upper surface (12); and a wear plate (16a, 16b) secured to the upper surface (12); wherein the wear plate (16a, 16b) comprises a metal comprises a ceramic component and a lubricious component, wherein the: wear plate (16a, 16b) has a first surface (22), and a second surface (24) wherein the first surface is an exposed surface and the second surface faces the upper surface, wherein the lubricious component has a total volume fraction that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface, wherein the ceramic component has a total volume fraction that is highest at the first surface and is lowest, at the second surface, and wherein the metal component has a total volume fraction that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface.