Reciprocating sliding wear of in-situ reinforced silicon nitride

摘要

The reciprocating sliding wear response of two in-situ reinforced-silicon nitride compositions provided by AlliedSignal have been evaluated. The materials were prepared by AlliedSignal-Ceramic Components Division and were tested at conditions of interest to the Bendix Engine Controls Division (South Bend, IN) and AlliedSignal Research and Technology (Des Plaines, IL). The materials are being considered for a variety of new applications, and the current tests provide critical friction and wear values under anticipated operating conditions. Both pin and disk specimens of GS-44 and GN-10 in-situ reinforced silicon nitride of specified dimensions for wear testing were provided by the AlliedSignal participants. An initial series of tests examined the unlubricated behavior of these materials at elevated temperature (up to 900 C) in an inert atmosphere. The results revealed excessive levels of both friction and wear in the unlubricated condition. The test conditions were modified to include the use of jet fuel as a lubricant because of an intended application in that medium. The introduction of the lubricant resulted in very limited wear of both the pin and disk specimens.