Erosion behavior of B4C based ceramic nozzles by abrasive air-jet

TiC and Mo were introduced into B4C-based ceramic nozzles, which were obtained by hot-press sintering. The effect of TiC content on mechanical properties and erosion behavior of B4C-based ceramic nozzles were analyzed. XRD analysis showed that chemical reactions took place during the sintering process, which resulted in B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle with high density and improved mechanical properties compared with B4C/Mo ceramic nozzle. The sintering temperature was decreased from 2150 degrees C for B4C/Mo ceramic nozzle to 1950 degrees C for B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle. Results of erosion wear tests indicated that the hardness and toughness were the key factors influencing the erosion rate of B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle. Analysis of the eroded bore surfaces of B4C/Mo/TiB2 ceramic nozzle showed that the entry bore section exhibited a brittle fracture induced material removal process, and the center bore section showed plowing and polishing of material removal. Fracture and plowing of material removal occurred at the exit bore section. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.