Wear Behaviour of Iron Matrix Composite Reinforced by ZTA Particles in Impact Abrasion

Abstract

Zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) particles reinforced high chromium cast iron composites (ZTA/Iron composites) were prepared by a two-step processing method, i.e. mixing particles by the molten metal and cohering by high pressure, which based on the squeeze casting process. The impact wear resistance under different impact energies were investigated using dynamically loaded abrasive wear tester at room temperature. For comparison, the wear tests of high chromium cast iron were also carried out under the same conditions. Worn surfaces of the samples were observed under scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive detector. The results showed that the composites have better impact wear resistance than that of high Cr cast iron regardless of impact energy level, and the wear resistance of the two materials all decrease with the increase of the impact energy. The main wear mechanisms of the high Cr cast iron were micro-cutting and fatigue peeling, while the wear of composites occurred through micro-cutting of the matrix (lower impact energy) and breaking and shedding of the reinforced particles (higher impact energy).