Wearing and interfacial characterization of zirconia toughened alumina reinforced high chromium cast iron composites in an actual working condition

Zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic particles reinforced high chromium cast iron (HCCI) architectural composites (ZTA/HCCI composites) are widely used in many fields. In this study, the ZTA/HCCI composites wear performance and interfacial characterization after the actual working condition were all studied. The wear resistance of the ZTA/HCCI composites in this actual working condition were promoted for fourfold compared to the HCCI. The mainly composition of the worn surface were alpha-Al2O3, t-ZrO2 and less carbide. In the service process, ZTA ceramic particles had performed a major supportive function according to the composites' worn surface structure. The wear characteristics show complexity, including the wear of metal matrix supported by ZTA ceramics and the intense wear surface of ZTA ceramics. The interfacial layer was formed at high temperature and was polycrystalline type after the wear process in the actual working condition. After actual working condition, the wear mechanism of ZTA/HCCI composites shows mixed characteristics of various stages. In this study, these series characterizations could enrich the wear mechanism of these kinds of composites.