The Abrasive Wear of Non-Oxide Structural Ceramics in Wet Environment

Z. Pędzich^1*, G. Grabowski¹, I. Saferna¹, M. Ziąbka¹, A. Gubernat¹, J. Szczerba¹, M. M. Bućko¹, M. Kot²

¹Department of Ceramics and Refractory Materials, AGH-University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland.
²Department of Machine Design and Technology, AGH-University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland.

DOI: 10.4236/msce.2014.210002                

Abstract

Silicon carbide and silicon nitride are recognized as phases with very good mechanical properties. Many parts of machines and mechanical devices are made of these materials. Particulate composites basing on both mentioned phases have significant potential of properties improvement. The aim of presented work was to check the difference in wear behavior when materials surfaces were attacked by hard, loose particles in wet environment (pulp). Investigations were performed on silicon carbide, silicon nitride and two composites on their matrices. The basic performed test was the Miller Test according to ASTM Standard. The detail microstructural and mechanical characterization of investigated materials was done. Residual stress state caused by coefficients of thermal expansion mismatch was calculated using FEM approach. The second phases for composites were selected to introduce the compressive stress state into the matrix phase. Comparative studies of abrasive wear of “pure” phases and composites performed showed differences between dominating wear mechanisms. Tests results proved that the influence of the second phase presence in the materials was significant for the wear rate.

Keywords

Abrasive Wear, Miller Test, Silicon Carbide, Silicon Nitride, Residual Stress

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Grabowski, G. and P?dzich, Z. (2007) Residual Stresses in Particulate Composites with Alumina and Zirconia Matrices. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 27, 1287-1292. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2006.04.096
[2]	Grabowski, G. and Stobierski, L. (2005) Influence of Thermal Stresses on Mechanical Properties of Ceramics Particulate Composites. Ceramika/Ceramics, 91, 627-634.
[3]	Jiao, S., Jenkins, M.L.L. and Davidge, R.W.W. (1997) Interfacial Fracture Energy-Mechanical Behaviour Relationship in Al2O3/SiC and Al2O3/TiN Nanocomposites. Acta Materialia, 45, 149-156. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1359-6454(96)00168-1
[4]	Ohji, T., Jeong, Y.-K., Choa, Y.-H. and Niihara, K. (1998) Strengthening and Toughening Mechanisms of Ceramic Nanocomposites. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 60, 1453-1460. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1151-2916.1998.tb02503.x
[5]	Stobierski, L. and Gubernat, A. (2003) Sintering of Silicon Carbide I. Effect of Carbon. Ceramics International, 29, 287-292. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0272-8842(02)00117-7
[6]	Stobierski, L. and Gubernat, A. (2003) Sintering of Silicon Carbide II. Effect of Boron. Ceramics International, 29, 355-361. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0272-8842(02)00144-X
[7]	Hayashi, T., Munakata, H., Suzuki, H. and Saito, H. (1986) Pressureless Sintering of Si3N4 with Y2O3 and Al2O3. Journal of Materials Science, 21, 3501-3508. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02402994
[8]	Taya, M., Hayashi, S., Kobayashi, A.S. and Yoon, H.S.S. (1989) Tough-ening of a Particulate-Reinforced/Ceramic- Matrix Composite. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 73, 1382-1391. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1151-2916.1990.tb05209.x
[9]	Test Method for Determination of Slurry Abrasivity (Miller Number) and Slurry Abrasion Response of Materials (SAR Number), ASTM G75-95 Standard.
[10]	User Manual of Nova Werke AG device for Miller Test.