Dry friction and wear properties of 3D-meshy Al₂O₃ ceramic reinforced high chromium iron composites

The dry friction and wear properties of high chromium iron and its composites reinforced with 3D-meshy Al₂O₃ ceramic were investigated on an optimal schwinggung reibungund verschleiss (SRV) testing machine. The friction coefficients and wear rates of high chromium iron and Al₂O₃ ceramic/high chromium iron composites were measured under various friction frequencies and loads. The worn surface morphologies of the alloy and its composites were observed with SEM and the effect of the 3D-meshy Al₂O₃ ceramic on the wear mechanisms of composites was discussed accordingly. As the results, the Al₂O₃ ceramic/high chromium iron composites with good interfacial bonding between ceramic and metal matrix have stable friction coefficients and much better wear-resistance than the high chromium iron with increasing friction frequency and load. It is supposed that the continuous 3D interconnected ceramic/high chromium iron networks and good interfacial bonding provide the metal matrix composites with a capability of load transfer, the 3D-meshy Al₂O₃ ceramic is able to support the load applied onto the sliding surface and to protect the metal matrix;the wear mechanism involves both oxidative wear and abrassive wear.