fabrication and wear properties of Si₃N₄/W based composite

Abstract

Silicon nitride/tungsten compound composites were fabricated by thermal decomposition of WB under hot press conditions. Sintering temperature and the amount of WB volume fraction both affected the decomposition behaviour of WB. Fracture strength of the composites was around 900MPa, which was almost the same as conventional silicon nitride. The composites had high wear resistance compared with a conventional silicon nitride, attributed to the formation of a protective layer during sliding.