Abrasive Wear Testing of Si3N4 Ceramic Composites

Silicon nitride-based nanocomposites with different quantities (0, 1, 2 wt%) of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have been prepared by isostatic pressing. Abrasive tribological tests were carried out at room temperature in ambient atmosphere with various types of abrasives (different material and grain size) and lubricants respectively. Worn surfaces were characterized by surface roughness parameters, surface topography and scanning electron microscope while wear rate was featured by the worn mass. Results indicate that increase in MWCNT-content leads to decrease of abrasive wear resistance which is proven by increase of Ra and Rz roughness parameters and SEM-analyses of the abrasive worn surfaces.