Erosion behavior of B4C based ceramic nozzles by abrasive air-jet

TiC and Mo were introduced into B4C-based ceramic nozzles, which were obtained by hot-press sintering. The effect of TiC content on mechanical properties and erosion behavior of B4C-based ceramic nozzles were analyzed. XRD analysis showed that chemical reactions took place during the sintering process, which resulted in B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle with high density and improved mechanical properties compared with B4C/Mo ceramic nozzle. The sintering temperature was decreased from 2150 °C for B4C/Mo ceramic nozzle to 1950 °C for B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle. Results of erosion wear tests indicated that the hardness and toughness were the key factors influencing the erosion rate of B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle. Analysis of the eroded bore surfaces of B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle showed that the entry bore section exhibited a brittle fracture induced material removal process, and the center bore section showed plowing and polishing of material removal. Fracture and plowing of material removal occurred at the exit bore section.