Study on the Tribological Behavior of Si_3N_4 Ceramic against Chilled Cast Iron

The wear behavior of Si 3N 4 ceramic in dry sliding against chilled cast iron was investigated on a block on disc friction and wear tester. The wear mechanisms were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer. As the results, the coefficient of friction decreases with the increase in speed and load. At higher load and speed, Si 3N 4 ceramic has either severe wear or negative wear, because of the transfer of chilled cast iron onto the ceramic surface. The morphological observation of the worn ceramic and chilled cast iron surfaces by means of scanning electron microscopy and the determination of the elemental composition in the transfer film by means of energy dispersive spectrometry indicate that the wear of Si 3N 4 ceramic is characteristic of adhesion and fatigue.