Tribological behaviour of Si3N4-based nanocomposites

A comprehensive study was performed to evaluate tribological performances of newly developed Si3N4-based nanocomposites enhanced by either Si3N4 nanowhiskers or TiN nanoparticles and consolidated via a Rate Controlled Sintering technique. A wear resistance of Si3N4-based nanocomposites was studied under dry sliding conditions using bearing steel, hard alloy, and Si3N4-based nanocomposites counterparts. The Si3N4-TiN nanocomposites exhibited low sliding friction coefficient <0.35 with hard alloy and <0.25 with Si3N4-based nanocomposite. A specific wear rate for the investigated nanocomposites was estimated to be in the range from 2·10−7 mm3/N m to 5·10−8 mm3/N m. A chemical resistance of the Si3N4-TiN nanocomposite was investigated in aggressive mediums, such as acids and bases at elevated temperatures.