Formation and Evolution of Tribo-Layer on Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-Based Ceramics in Sliding against Si₃N₄ under Dry Sliding

Abstract:

Alumina (Al₂O₃) and Al₂O₃-based ceramics are candidate wear-resistant materials for many applications. In the past decades, the friction and wear behaviors of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based ceramics in dry sliding and lubricated conditions have been extensively investigated. In dry sliding, surface modification of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based ceramics at tribo-interface can be observed. In other words, the original surfaces of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based ceramics can be modified by friction and friction-induced material interaction (fracture, mechanical mixing, tribo-sintering) at the tribo-interface, and hence give birth to a tribo-layer. The formation and evolution of the tribo-layer on the worn surfaces of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based ceramics are the keys to understand the friction and wear behaviors of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based ceramics. This is conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and classification of the morphology and composition of the worn surfaces of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based ceramics at different sliding stages. The typical characteristics of the tribo-layers on the worn surfaces of Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-based ceramics in sliding against Si₃N₄ in a reciprocating motion are smooth surface with many interlinked cracks in morphology, mechanical mixing in chemical composition. The condition allowing the formation of the tribo-layer is briefly discussed.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 512-515)
• Pages: 505-508
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.512-515.505
• Online since: June 2012
• Authors: Jian Shang, Jin Jun Lu, Jun Hu Meng, Tao Wang
• Keywords: Al₂O₃, Evolution, Formation, Tribo-Layer

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