Research on the interface and properties of spherical ZTA particles reinforced Fe-Cr-B matrix composite

Abstract

Spherical zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) particles reinforced Fe–Cr–B matrix composite was prepared by the liquid phase sintering in the current study. The results demonstrated that at the sintering temperature of 1380 °C, a prominent interface layer was formed between the spherical ZTA particles and the Fe–Cr–B alloy, the thickness of which is about 50 μm. The combined effects of B element, Mn element and SiO2 promote the formation of the interface. Mn2SiO4, Fe2SiO4, MnFe2O4 and B2O3 were formed at the interface. The formation mechanism is described. Hardness and Young's modulus of SZ40 sample at the interface are 12.88 and 146.60 GPa, respectively, which play a crucial role in combining of ZTA particles and the matrix. The wear resistance of the composite prepared in the current study is excellent. The wear volume loss decreases gradually with the increase of spherical ZTA volume fraction. Under the same wear conditions, the volume loss of the SZ40sample is only 9.65% of that of the Cr16 sample and is 14.33% of that of the matrix sample. The spherical ZTA in the composite is higher than the Fe–Cr–B matrix, forming a “shadow effect” to protect the matrix. The Fe–Cr–B matrix has better toughness and can support the spherical ZTA particles during the wear process. Effective combination of the advantages of the two reduces the volume loss of the composite.