1992 Volume 32 Issue 11 Pages 1250-1257
The use of ceramics has been studied to provide rolling performance levels that conventional steel rolls can never attain. Sialon was selected as the most suitable roll material for cold rolling. Its characteristics and performance in cold rolling were evaluated.
Mechanical properties, especially flexural strength, were lower than for steel rolls. However, sialon rolls were found to be sufficiently durable for industrial applications, and they were superior in wear resistance to steel rolls.
Excellent strip rolling capability was demonstrated during experimental rolling. High Young's modulus and smooth surface enable the ceramic rolls to produce a minimum thickness 2/3 that obtained with steel rolls. Roll coating was negligible on the sialon rolls because of the low adhesivity to metal. Thus, strips had a glossy surface and rolling conditions were stable.
Other advantages over conventional rolls, including fewer rolling passes, fewer roll changes, flexible strip width change, and longer re-grinding intervals, were demonstrated in commercial rolling.
