Synthesis and friction properties of a multifunctional diamond-containing ceramic material

Abstract

Abstract The paper investigates the fundamentals of the technology of forming multifunctional composite diamond-containing materials with a ceramic matrix of an aluminum oxide. It shows the results of comparative tests of triboengineering properties of the obtained material. The developed technology for creating a billet for a diamond-containing composite ceramic material uses powder metallurgy (aluminum powder and dispersed diamonds). The paper determines optimal modes to form a billet. A sample of a composite mixture has been modified by microarc oxidation. It had a hardened layer of a ceramic matrix on its surface, and a dispersed diamond evenly enclosed in it. There is a description of features of the microarc oxidation technological process of a part from a sintered diamond-aluminum mixture compared with aluminum alloys. It is determined that the thickness of the formed ceramic layer is several times higher compared with the parts made of non-porous aluminum alloys. Moreover, the alkali concentration in the electrolyte and the relative density of a sintered billet have the greatest effect. There are two types of ceramic diamond-containing materials based on the proposed technology. They are: antifriction construction materials for sliding friction units and tool materials for abrasive processing. Triboengineering tests of materials with a small grain size of diamonds revealed their good antifriction properties even without lubricating with liquid materials. It has been established that an abrasive tool made from a material with a high grain size of diamonds has higher wear resistance and productivity compared with traditional abrasive materials.