Study on the technology and performance of 3D-reticulated porous SiC/Fe composite material

Abstract

ABSTRACT3D-reticulated porous (3D-RP) SiC ceramic was fabricated by polymer sponge replica technique with SiC ceramic slurry (77 wt% solid content). Furthermore, pure alumina slurry and alumina slurry with Y2O3/CeO2 were used to fill up the triangle hollows in coated sponge by vacuum infiltration method respectively. The results show that the compressive strength of 3D-RP SiC ceramic, infiltrated by the alumina slurry or alumina slurry with Y2O3/CeO2, was significantly improved in comparison with those of non-infiltrated ones. Subsequently, 3D-RP SiC/Fe composite material was prepared successfully by casting technique. The microstructure and abrasive resistance of 3D-RP SiC/Fe composite materials based on the different 3D-RP SiC ceramics were discussed in detail. The results show that an excellent interface bonding between 3D-RP SiC ceramic and iron matrix formed and intermediate products not measured in the interface. Moreover, the abrasive resistance of SiC/Fe composite material, especially, 3D-RP SiC ceramics with addition of Y2O3/CeO2 and Ni respectively, is observably superior to that of gray cast iron. The wear mechanism of 3D-RP SiC/Fe composite material is predominantly oxidative wear and adhesive wear, together with partial abrasive wear if under a high load.