Solid Particle Erosion Behavior and Friction and Wear Properties of C/Al2O3 Composites

Abstract:

Alumina matrix composites reinforced by carbon fiber cloth preform with a lamination and stitching structure (C/Al₂O₃) and fabricated by sol infiltration and heat treatment route were selected as raw materials in this paper. The solid particle erosion behavior of C/Al₂O₃ composites was investigated using corundum powders as medium, and the friction and wear properties were studied according to national standard GB5763-2008. At room temperature, erosion rate is augmented with increasing impact angle and feeding rate of corundum powders. The remarkably enhanced erosion rates are observed at high temperatures due to the combination of mechanical impact and thermal shock. C/Al₂O₃ composites exhibit stable friction factor and very low wear rate under the conditions regulated by national standard GB5763-2008. The erosion and wear mechanisms are discussed based on the evolution of microstructure. Profiting from the reinforcing and toughening mechanism of continuous carbon fiber, C/Al2O3 composites present non-catastrophic fracture behavior and better security in service than monolithic Al2O3 ceramics even if the matrix density of C/Al2O3 composites was inferior to monolithic Al2O3 ceramics.

Key words:alumina; composites; erosion; friction; wear