WEAR-RESISTANCE OF SILICON-CARBIDE AND NITRIDE BASED CERAMIC MATERIALS

Various factors that affect the nature of wear in SiC and Si3N42 based ceramics have been analyzed. It is shown that adhesion, mechanochemic al and diffusion interactions in the contact zone and wear due to fati gue, thermal stresses and abrasion are the predominant factors. Cerami cs based on SiC and Si3N4 are shown to have excellent wear resistance. Poreless silicon nitride materials that have good chemical stability, heat and crack resistance appear promising as ceramic - metal frictio n couples and for metal machining. Silicon carbide based poreless mate rials are efficient ceramic - ceramic friction couples and for service under severe hydro and gas abrasive media attack.