Microstructure and tribological properties of ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3-graphite composite ceramic fabricated by milling with graphite balls

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 140; p. 105874
• Main Authors: Lǚ, Chen, Ai, Yunlong, Chen, Weihua, He, Wen, Liang, Bingliang, Zhang, Jianjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aluminum oxide; Ceramic matrix composites; Ceramics; Coefficient of friction; Doping; Graphite; Mechanical milling; Mechanical milling method; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Microwave sintering; Sintering (powder metallurgy); Tribological properties; Tribology; Wear mechanisms; Wear rate; Yttrium oxide; Zirconium carbide; Zirconium dioxide; ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3-Graphite composite ceramic; Mechanical milling method; Microwave sintering; Tribological properties; ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3-Graphite composite ceramic
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2019.105874

In this study, ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3-graphite composite powder was prepared by a mechanical milling method and a direct powder doping milling method, and sintered in a microwave. Microstructure and tribological properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that uniformly dispersed fine graphite flakes were obtained using the mechanical milling method. ZrC phase was generated in the composite ceramics. The tribological properties of ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3- graphite composites prepared by the mechanical milling method were better than those of ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3-graphite composites prepared by the direct powder doping milling method. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate of ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3-graphite composites by the mechanical milling method were 0.147 and 6.2 × 10−6 mm3/(N m), respectively. The wear mechanisms of ZrO2(Y2O3) ceramic matrix composites were discussed. •Uniformly dispersed graphite flakes was fabricated by a mechanical milling method.•The effect of the milling methods on the properties of the composites was investigated.•The wear mechanisms of the ZrO2(Y2O3) ceramic matrix composites were studied.•The ZrO2(Y2O3)–Al2O3-graphite composites possess a excellent self-lubricating effect.