Polymer-Derived Ceramics for Advanced Bearing Applications

The influence of active fillers MoSi2 and FeSiCr in combination with passive fillers Al2O3 and SiC on the microstructure and mechanical properties of polysilsesquieoxanes-derived ceramics was studied. The main idea was to study the implementation of AFCOP approach to fabrication of linear rolling and sliding bearing components made of these materials. The study used polyethylsiloxane a catalytic agent for cross-linking of the polymer (aluminum-acetyle-acetonate, AlAcac), active fillers and passive fillers. The inorganic particles were coated with PMS resin, to achieve a homogenous distribution of the components in the material. The results showed that the low level of shrinkage of the PDC, achieved through the phase transformation at elevated temperatures, offer the opportunity for the fabrication of near-net-shape ceramics, where hard-machining, is necessary on functional surfaces. The study showed the potential for the application of PDC's in bearing components under dry-running conditions.