A STUDY FOR EROSION OF SI3N4 CERAMICS BY IMPACT OF SOLID PARTICLES

Hot-pressed self-reinforced silicon nitride ceramics were eroded with SiC and quartz particles at different impingement angles. The target c eramics were comprised of rod-shaped grains of various aspect ratios. Erosion weight loss was measured and the erosion dependence on impinge ment angles was determined. The test ceramics exhibited an N-like eros ion curve, and a combination of both ductile and brittle behavior. The damage to the surfaces of silicon nitride ceramics varied from microp loughing with limited deformation to microcracking with crumbling.