Sand erosion performance of SiC/(W,Ti)C gradient ceramic nozzles by abrasive air-jets

A SiC/(W,Ti)C ceramic nozzle with gradient structures was produced by hot pressing. The purpose is to reduce the tensile stress at the entry region of the nozzle in abrasive air-jet. The sand erosion performance of this kind gradient ceramic nozzle caused by abrasive particle impact was investigated by abrasive air-jets in comparison with the common one. Results showed that the gradient ceramic nozzles exhibited an apparent increase in erosion wear resistance over the common ceramic nozzles. The mechanism responsible was explained as the formation of compressive residual stresses in nozzle entry region in fabricating process of the gradient ceramic nozzles, which may partially counteract the tensile stresses resulting from external loadings. It is indicated that gradient structures in ceramic nozzles is an effective way to improve the erosion wear resistance of common ceramic nozzles.