Wear behavior on advanced structural ceramics: α-sialon matrix reinforced with β-sialon fibers

For several decades, ceramic matrix composite have been attracted attention in advanced structural and tribological applications. Advanced structural ceramics are presently used in diverse tribological applications such as tips for ballpoint pens, precision instrument bearings and cutting tools inserts. Design and selection of ceramics for these applications require reliable data on the effects of temperature, load and environment on the tribological behavior of these ceramics. In the present work, α-sialon matrix composites reinforced with different amounts of β-sialon fibers were produced with the aim of improving their toughness to increase the industrial applications. The wear properties of α-sialon matrix composites were evaluated by carried out wear tests using a pin-on-disk tribometer under dry conditions. The α-sialon matrix composites were manufactured by slip casting and sintered by uniaxial hot pressing. Scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersion spectroscopy were used to analyse the worn surfaces of the α-sialon matrix composites. The results show that the wear of α-sialon matrix composites is caused by adhesion and micro abrasion between the rubbing surfaces and is strongly dependent on the amount of added β-sialon fibers. Namely, a higher wear rate was obtained as fibers content increased.