The effect of ELID grinding on the flexural strength of silicon nitride

Abstract

Advanced structural ceramics, such as silicon nitride-based materials, are of significant interest due to their excellent physical and mechanical properties. However the cost of grinding these ceramics, an integral part of their fabrication, is very high and can result in surface and subsurface damage to the material. These defects can significantly reduce the strength and reliability of the finished component and are sensitive to grinding parameters. In this investigation, the effect of finish electrolytic in-process dressing (ELID) grinding on the flexural strength of silicon nitride specimens were studied. Kyocera's silicon nitride SN 235, in the form of Modulus of Rupture (MOR) specimens, were ground using the application of ELID grinding with a # 6000 grit sized cast iron bonded diamond (CIB-D) grinding wheel. A significant improvement in the strength of the Si 3N 4 specimens was noted when finish ELID grinding was performed. This was the result of ductile regime grinding using the application of finish ELID grinding. Another method to improve the flexural strength of silicon nitride specimens will also be addressed in this paper.