A pair of sliding elements for machine parts exposed to high-pressure and high-temperature steam, preferably piston-cylinder arrangements for steam engines. The first sliding element is produced from a synthetic, fired but not graphitized carbon material which comprises graphitized carbon black and/or natural graphite as significant filler and whose pores are filled with metal, metal alloy, a ceramic, synthetic resin and/or pitch which has been carbonized, preferably in the form of a piston and/or piston ring. The second sliding element, preferably in the form of a cylinder liner or guide bush, comprising an iron-containing, high-temperature-resistant material which is preferably alloyed with chromium and/or nickel and is provided at least on the surface layer with a nitride layer.