Mechanical and Wear Properties of Si3 N4 Reinforced Titanium Composites

Abstract

In the present study, Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> reinforced titanium composites have been produced by the powder metallurgy method. The effect of various percentages of Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> (0-9 wt. %) on the microstructure, density, hardness and compressive strength of titanium (It) composites have been investigated. After sintering at 1100oC for 120 min., the mechanical properties have been significantly developed up to 3 wt. % Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf>. The highest hardness and the greatest compressive strength have been obtained for 3 wt. % Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> reinforced composite (698.5 HV and 1093 MPa) when compared to pure titanium (414.2 HV and 826 MPa). Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> addition improved the wear properties of composites when compared to pure titanium. The lowest wear rate (1.36 x 10-5, 2.75 x 10-5 and 5.15 x 10-5 mm3 / Nm for 10 N, 20 N and 30 N, respectively) have been obtained for 3 wt. % Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> reinforced titanium composite. Above this ratio, the properties of composites have deteriorated due to agglomeration tendency of Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> powder. The scanning electron image, elemental mapping and line analyses confirm the uniform distribution of Si<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> powder in Ti matrix. There has been no in-situ formed second phase of composite structure from the X-ray diffraction analyses. © 2020, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources. All rights reserved.