Effect of B4C on wear behaviour of ZTA ceramic reinforced high chromium cast iron matrix composites

Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) ceramic reinforced high chromium cast iron (HCCI) matrix composites were prepared by vacuum pressure-free infiltration, and the effects of active additive B4C (10%, 12%) on the interface binding ability and three-body wear behaviours was study systematically. Result showed the wettability between HCCI and ZTA could be improved after the addition of B4C, which could result in a metallurgical combination by forming a transition layer. When the content of B4C additive was 10%, the Brinell hardness (HB) of ZTA/HCCI composite materials reached 645 N/mm(2) in the as-infiltration state, and the wear resistance was more than three times of HCCI. After heat treatment, the hardness and wear resistance increased significantly, which could reach 676.1 N/mm(2) and more than five times of HCCI, respectively.