On the wear behaviour of silicon nitride sliding against metals in water

Abstract

Purpose

Testing of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) or silicon carbide (SiC), sliding on itself in water, revealed that hydrodynamic lubrication can be obtained at low‐sliding velocity. The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of Si₃N₄‐metals pairs, sliding in water.

Design/methodology/approach

Ball on disc unidirectional sliding tests are run with Si₃N₄ against tool steel, stainless steel and cast iron in water. The friction force is recorded continuously and the wear is evaluated at the end of the run by geometric technique. In addition, SiC sliding on itself in oxidant solution (3 per cent solution of CrO₃ in water) is tested.

Findings

The measured friction and wear of water‐lubricated Si₃N₄ against metals are higher compared to Si₃N₄ sliding on itself. At the end of the run‐in SiC, lubricated by the oxidant solution, obtains hydrodynamic lubrication and friction and wear are lower than in water‐lubricated SiC.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental results obtained are valid within the range of load and sliding velocity applied – 1‐10 N, 0.04‐0.33 m/s, respectively. The Si₃N₄ sliding against metals in water over sliding distance of 3,000 m has not shown tendency towards hydrodynamic lubrication.

Originality/value

The paper presents test data on friction and wear properties of Si₃N₄ sliding against metals in water. The low friction and ball wear rate of the SiC, lubricated by the oxidant solution, shows the potential of the 3 per cent distilled water solution of CrO₃ to surpass water as a lubricant for SiC sliding bearings.

Citation

Iliev, C. (2010), "On the wear behaviour of silicon nitride sliding against metals in water", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 62 No. 1, pp. 32-36. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791011012443