Study on the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) addition on the microstructure, mechanical and cutting performance of silicon nitride ceramic tools

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics incorporated with 0–1.5 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesised by the spark plasma sintering technology. The effects of the low-content MWCNT addition on the microstructure, density, mechanical properties and cutting performance against nickel-ba...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of refractory metals & hard materials 2024-12, Vol.125, p.106907, Article 106907
Main Authors: Huang, Lei, Dong, Yingxu, Wang, Zhenhua, Zhang, Dongying, Yu, Zuorong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cutting performance
Microstructure
Multi-walled carbon nanotube
Nickel-based superalloys
Silicon nitride ceramics
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Summary:Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics incorporated with 0–1.5 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesised by the spark plasma sintering technology. The effects of the low-content MWCNT addition on the microstructure, density, mechanical properties and cutting performance against nickel-based superalloys (Inconel 718) of the Si3N4/MWCNTs ceramic tools were investigated by the X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, Vickers hardness tester, universal tester, ball-on-disk reciprocating tester and cutting experiment. The results showed that the incorporation of MWCNTs enhanced the conversion rate of Si3N4 structure from the polar α form to the polar β form and reduced the friction coefficient of the composite. However, due to the agglomeration of MWCNTs, the hardness and fracture toughness of the Si3N4/MWCNTs ceramics were observed to decrease by 5.03 % and 13.97 %, respectively, compared to pure Si3N4 ceramics. A higher addition rate of the MWCNT would further accelerate tool wear and significantly diminish tool life. The predominant wear mechanism of the Si3N4/MWCNTs ceramic tools when milling Inconel 718 was groove-shape wear and adhesive wear. •Si3N4 ceramics incorporated with low-content CNTs (less than 1.5 wt%) were studied.•The agglomeration of MWCNTs reduced the hardness and fracture toughness of the composites.•The predominant wear mechanism of the Si3N4/MWCNTs tools was groove-shape wear and adhesive wear.
ISSN:0263-4368
DOI:10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2024.106907