Friction and Wear of α-Sialon Ceramics

Abstract

The friction and wear properties of newly developed partially stabilized α-sialon ceramics were measured with a pin-on-disk type tester in air at room temperature, at a sliding velocity of 18cm/s and applied load of 1kgf. When α-sialon disk was used, the specific wear rate of α-sialon was 4×10-8mm2/kgf, a little greater than Si3N4 or ZrO2. The wear of α-sialon on ZrO2 disk was in the same level as that on α-sialon disk, but the wear of Si3N4 and ZrO2 on ZrO2 disk was much higher. α-sialon is considered to be one of the excellent wear resistant materials, as it shows relatively low specific wear rate, and α-sialon disk wears much less than ZrO2 disk. The wear of α-sialon was almost zero, when sliding on metal disks, such as cast iron or phosphorus bronze, which is the same as any other ceramics. On the other hand, the wear of metal disk was severe, with the specific wear rate in the order of 10-5mm2/kgf. Cast iron disk showed two times greater wear than phosporus bronze disk against the α-sialon pin.