Two-step strategy for improving the tribological performance of Si3N4 ceramics: Controlled addition of SiC nanoparticles and graphene-based nanostructures. Issue 15 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Llorente, Javier; Ramírez, Cristina; Belmonte, Manuel
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Ceramic Society. Volume 40:Issue 15(2020)
• Page Start: 5298
• Page End: 5304
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Tribology -- Friction -- Wear -- Ceramic composites -- Graphene; Ceramic materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Matériaux céramiques -- Périodiques; Composites -- Périodiques; Ceramic materials; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2020.06.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-2219

Abstract

Abstract: The tribological behaviour of silicon nitride (Si3 N4 ) ceramics is investigated using a two-step strategy. A set of ceramic composites containing silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCn ) is developed and, subsequently, graphene-based fillers are added to the Si3 N4 /SiC composite with the best tribological performance. The friction coefficient and the wear rate of Si3 N4 are reduced up to 22 % and 40 %, respectively, when a 10 vol.% of SiCn is incorporated into the ceramic matrix due to its improved mechanical response. Si3 N4 /SiC composites containing 11 vol.% of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) or reduced graphene oxide sheets (rGOs) are analysed under isooctane lubrication and dry testing. rGOs composite leads to an important decrease of the friction coefficient (50 %) under lubricated conditions, and an enhancement of the wear resistance (44 %) under dry sliding tests, as compared to the reference Si3 N4 /SiC. The best performance of rGOs composite is due to the nature of the lubricating tribofilm and its excellent toughness.