Abrasive Wear of Al₂O₃-SiC Composites

Abstract

Al₂O₃-SiC composites containing 0-40vol% SiC particles were prepared by hot-pressing. With an increase in SiC particle content, the hardness and fracture toughness of Al₂O₃-SiC composites increased from 17.1 to 24.4GPa and from 4.2 to 4.5MPa·m^1/2, respectively. Abrasive wear tests for SiC, Al₂O₃, Si₃N₄, TZP and α+β Sialon as well as Al₂O₃-SiC composites were carried out using SiC and Al₂O₃ abrasive papers. The volume wear rate was inversely proportional to the hardness and the fracture toughness of the materials. Al₂O₃-SiC composites containing more than 20vol% SiC particles showed better abrasion resistance than those of SiC, Al₂O₃, Si₃N₄ and TZP.