Processing of Metal-Ceramic Composites with Defined Functional Properties for Ceramic Roller Bearings

For highly loaded components as ceramic roller bearings, materials with high strength, toughness, good wear resistance and high damage tolerance are needed. This combination of properties can be achieved by embedding a metallic phase in a ceramic matrix. The so called sMAC process (sintered metal-alumina composites) has recently been shown to be an alternative route for low-cost fabrication of highly dense cermets. Aim of this project is the investigation of the sMAC process for commercial production of high-performance ceramic materials with adjustable properties (e.g. electrical conductivity, wear resistance or surface stresses). The present work gives an overview about the processing of sMAC materials using injection moulding as well as its mechanical and electrical properties. First experiments of a cylinder roller prototype in a test rig for roller bearings have been performed.