Impact-abrasive Wear Behavior of ZTA and NbC Reinforced Fe60 Matrix Composites

The impact-abrasive wear behavior of ZTA (zirconia toughened alumina) particle(ZTAp) and NbC particle (NbCp) reinforced Fe60 matrix composites (ZTAp-NbCp/Fe60) were investigated. Specimens of pure Fe60 matrix material, NbCp reinforced Fe60 composite (NbCp/Fe60) and ZTAp-NbCp/Fe60 with different contents of ZTAp were prepared through vacuum sintering and tested on an MLD-10B Impact Wear Rig. As revealed by the results, NbCp could strengthen Fe60 matrix, and had fine grain strengthening effect on Fe60 matrix. When the mass fraction of ZTAp was 5%–15%, the impact-abrasive wear performance of ZTAp-NbCp/Fe60 composites was better than that of Fe60 and NbCp/Fe60. When the mass fraction was 15%, the ZTAp-NbCp/Fe60 had the best performance. ZTAp could weaken the impact and wear effect of abrasive particles on the composite and protect the matrix. Cracks occured at the interface and at defects in the ZTAp. The former leaded to ZTAp shedding, while the latter leaded to ZTAp fracturing. In both cases, the performance of the composite material would decrease.