Microstructure and wear properties of SiC woodceramics reinforced high-chromium cast iron

Abstract

Wood ceramization is a promising preparation technology. Ceramics made from natural wood can retain the original structural characteristics and unique microstructure of the wood, and also offer acceptable mechanical properties and wear resistance. In this study, the ceramization process of natural poplar wood is optimized. Three-dimensional silicon carbide prepared by ceramization of wood is used to strengthen high-chromium cast iron, and three-dimensional silicon carbide reinforced high-chromium cast iron (3D-SiC/HCCI) composite materials are obtained. The results demonstrate that the treated wood retained acceptable network structure and uniform pore size after ceramization. Based on the size, the pores can be classified into smaller pores (approximately 8 μm), medium-sized pores (20–40 μm), and larger pores (100–300 μm). The 3D-SiC/HCCI composites, obtained by casting and infiltrating these pore channels, show continuous network-like interpenetrating structures in space. The wear resistance of the 3D-SiC/HCCI composite materials was investigated and compared with high-chromium cast iron. The results indicate that under the same friction condition, the wear resistance of the composites is significantly improved, and the abrasion loss is reduced from 3.8% to 0.32%. The three-dimensional silicon carbide in the composites produces a shadow effect during friction, which can provide acceptable support and protection for the high-chromium cast iron matrix.