Abstract
In this study, bulk nano-crystalline Si₃N₄ ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and their mechanical properties, in particular wear, were investigated. A wide range of grain sizes, from 80 ㎚ and 250 ㎚ were obtained by varying sintering conditions (1550℃-5 min to 1650℃-20 min). The elastic modulus of obtained ceramics was ~250 ㎬ and hardness was in the range of 13~14 ㎬. The indentation fracture toughness increased from 2.58 ㎫·m 1/2 to 3.24㎫·m 1/2 with increasing sintering temperature possibly due to the elongated grains. Sliding wear tests revealed at least an order magnitude improvement in wear resistance with grain refinement. Microstructure analysis indicated that nano-Si₃N₄ specimens worn mainly through delamination and microcracking, while that of coarser specimens revealed severe wear with grain debonding and fracture.
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