Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperature

Si3N4 ceramics are ideal materials for liquid rocket turbopump bearings due to their excellent properties such as low-temperature resistance, low density, and wear resistance. To further enhance the sustained self-lubricating performance of bearings in low-temperature environments, novel Si3N4 ceram...

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Main Authors: Fei Chen, Xiaobo Sun, Bin Fang, Ke Yan, Jun Hong, Bei Yan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Materials Research and Technology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785425007616
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author Fei Chen
Xiaobo Sun
Bin Fang
Ke Yan
Jun Hong
Bei Yan
author_facet Fei Chen
Xiaobo Sun
Bin Fang
Ke Yan
Jun Hong
Bei Yan
author_sort Fei Chen
collection DOAJ
description Si3N4 ceramics are ideal materials for liquid rocket turbopump bearings due to their excellent properties such as low-temperature resistance, low density, and wear resistance. To further enhance the sustained self-lubricating performance of bearings in low-temperature environments, novel Si3N4 ceramic composites containing micro- and nanoscale graphene and β-Si3N4 whisker were prepared via spark plasma sintering. The low-temperature tribological properties and electrical conductivity of Si3N4 ceramic composites were thoroughly analyzed. Results indicated that the dry sliding friction coefficient of Si3N4 ceramics at 10–20 N load and 77 K ranged from 0.11 to 0.28, representing a significant reduction of 6.67 %–64.52 % compared to that at 298 K. The enhanced tribological properties under cryogenic conditions was attributed to increased interatomic forces and improved frictional heat transfer. Additionally, the incorporation of 1 wt% graphene did not alter the insulating state of Si3N4 ceramics, as the limited graphene content hindered the formation of an effective electron transfer pathway within the matrix. This work provides new insights into the design of advanced ceramic composites for extreme environments.
format Article
id doaj-art-44c68c5f53cb4a5f92c67dbcdcac0c57
institution Kabale University
issn 2238-7854
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Elsevier
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series Journal of Materials Research and Technology
spelling doaj-art-44c68c5f53cb4a5f92c67dbcdcac0c572025-08-20T03:42:26ZengElsevierJournal of Materials Research and Technology2238-78542025-05-01361813182110.1016/j.jmrt.2025.03.252Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperatureFei Chen0Xiaobo Sun1Bin Fang2Ke Yan3Jun Hong4Bei Yan5Key Laboratory of Education Ministry for Modern Design and Rotor-Bearing System, Xi׳an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR ChinaKey Laboratory of Education Ministry for Modern Design and Rotor-Bearing System, Xi׳an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Luoyang Bearing Research Institute Co., Ltd, Luoyang, 471039, PR ChinaKey Laboratory of Education Ministry for Modern Design and Rotor-Bearing System, Xi׳an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Corresponding author.Key Laboratory of Education Ministry for Modern Design and Rotor-Bearing System, Xi׳an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China; Corresponding author.Key Laboratory of Education Ministry for Modern Design and Rotor-Bearing System, Xi׳an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR ChinaSchool of Construction Machinery, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710064, PR ChinaSi3N4 ceramics are ideal materials for liquid rocket turbopump bearings due to their excellent properties such as low-temperature resistance, low density, and wear resistance. To further enhance the sustained self-lubricating performance of bearings in low-temperature environments, novel Si3N4 ceramic composites containing micro- and nanoscale graphene and β-Si3N4 whisker were prepared via spark plasma sintering. The low-temperature tribological properties and electrical conductivity of Si3N4 ceramic composites were thoroughly analyzed. Results indicated that the dry sliding friction coefficient of Si3N4 ceramics at 10–20 N load and 77 K ranged from 0.11 to 0.28, representing a significant reduction of 6.67 %–64.52 % compared to that at 298 K. The enhanced tribological properties under cryogenic conditions was attributed to increased interatomic forces and improved frictional heat transfer. Additionally, the incorporation of 1 wt% graphene did not alter the insulating state of Si3N4 ceramics, as the limited graphene content hindered the formation of an effective electron transfer pathway within the matrix. This work provides new insights into the design of advanced ceramic composites for extreme environments.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785425007616Tribological propertiesLow-temperatureSi3N4 ceramicsElectrical conductivity
spellingShingle Fei Chen
Xiaobo Sun
Bin Fang
Ke Yan
Jun Hong
Bei Yan
Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperature
Journal of Materials Research and Technology
Tribological properties
Low-temperature
Si3N4 ceramics
Electrical conductivity
title Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperature
title_full Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperature
title_fullStr Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperature
title_full_unstemmed Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperature
title_short Tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro-and nanoscale graphene/β-Si3N4 whisker-reinforced Si3N4 ceramics at low temperature
title_sort tribological behavior and electrical insulation properties of micro and nanoscale graphene β si3n4 whisker reinforced si3n4 ceramics at low temperature
topic Tribological properties
Low-temperature
Si3N4 ceramics
Electrical conductivity
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785425007616
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