Abstract
Silicon nitride/tungsten compound composites were fabricated by thermal decomposition of Tungsten Boride (W2B) under hot press sintering. The fabricated composite consisted of β-Si3N4, W, W2B and W2C. The Si3N4 matrix grains were composed of an elongated and bimodal structure similar to conventional Si3N4. Wear properties of the Silicon Nitride/ W composite was evaluated under dry sliding conditions. The composites had high wear resistance compared with a conventional silicon nitride, attributed to the formation of protective compounds, which consisted of W, Si and O. These protective compounds restricted the adhesion of Si-0-H debris, which was formed by tribo-reaction due to the moisture vapour in the atmosphere.
