Comparison of cavitation erosion behavior of cordierite and zircon based samples using image and morphological analyses

[Display omitted] •Comparison of cavitation resistance of cordierite and zircon based samples.•Image and morphological analysis of formed pits during the test.•Determination of the degradation mechanism during the cavitation erosion testing. In this study the resistance of cordierite and zircon to the cavitation erosion was investigated with the aim of possible spreading their application. Cavitation erosion test was applied using standard ultrasonic vibratory set up with stationary sample. Weight loss and image analysis measurements including morphological analysis of the formed pits were used for monitoring degradation during the cavitation erosion testing. The obtained results were discussed in order to compare and analyze degradation mechanism and the resistance of the investigated materials to cavitation erosion. Cordierite sample underwent less serious degradation, characterized by continual forming of new pits, while zircon degradation progressed by growth and merging of already formed pits.