Wear properties and microstructures of alumina matrix composite ceramics used for drawing dies

The alumina matrix ceramics used for drawing dies were prepared by hot-press sintering method. The ceramics materials were made of Al2O3/TiC, Al2O3/(W,Ti)C and Al2O3/Ti(C,N). Mechanical and friction properties of these materials were tested and measured. The experiments for testing friction properties were carried on wear and tear machine. Mechanisms of frictions were analyzed with scanning electron microscope. Results showed that the alumina matrix composite ceramics have good physical and mechanical properties for used as drawing dies. Measured friction coefficients of alumina matrix composite ceramics showed a trend of decline and kept the value of 0.4–0.5 with the rotating speed of 550 rpm. Alumina matrix composite ceramics have smaller wear rate, while the wear rates of Al2O3/TiC and Al2O3/(W,Ti)C decrease gradually with a rising rotation speed. The wear of alumina matrix ceramics was severe at deformation zone. The primary wear behaviors of alumina matrix ceramics are scraping and furrowing. Even though the mechanisms for wear different, abrasive and adhesive wear were found to be the predominant wear mechanisms for the ceramic drawing die.