New route to improve the flexural strength of silicon nitride ceramics by introducing tungsten carbide nanoparticles

Abstract

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics containing various tungsten carbide (WC) content were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) with Al2O3 and Y2O3 as sintering aids, and WC nanoparticles were introduced via the mechanical ball milling method in the present work. The influence of WC nanoparticles’ content on the densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of such ceramics was investigated. The results showed that the incorporation of WC nanoparticles promoted the densification of Si3N4 ceramics and the growth of β‐Si3N4 grains. In comparison with the specimen without WC nanoparticles (879.9 MPa), the flexural strength of the specimens containing WC nanoparticles increased markedly; a maximum flexural strength of 1367.7 MPa can be achieved at the sintering temperature of 1550°C and the milling time of 36 hours.

Electrolytic in‐process dressing grinding performance of a multi‐layer brazed coarse‐grained diamond wheel using an electrolyte containing carbon microspheres

“…Si 3 N 4 ceramic as a typical engineering ceramic has been widely used in industrial areas for its excellent qualities of high strength, high hardness, and wear resistance. [1][2][3] The excellent mechanical properties of Si 3 N 4 ceramics contribute to its application, but it is very difficult to machine due to the cracks and subsurface damage are easily produced. Diamond grinding wheels prepared using an electroplating or sintering process are commonly used in the field of grinding of Si 3 N 4 ceramics.…”