Enhancement in wear resistance of sintered silicon carbide at various temperatures

In this study, the mechanical and tribological properties of sintered silicon carbide (S-SiC) subjected to ultrasonic nanocrystalline surface modification (UNSM) technique were investigated. The tribological properties of the untreated and UNSM-treated specimens were assessed using a ball-on-disk tribometer against an alumina (Al2O3) ball at various temperatures under oil-lubricated conditions. The results indicated that the UNSM-treated specimen exhibited better tribological properties compared to that of the untreated specimen. Scratch tests were also performed on these specimens. The surface roughness obtained using an atomic force microscope (AFM) was found to be 101.7nm and 81.9nm for the untreated and UNSM-treated specimens, respectively. It was also found that the UNSM technique was beneficial for a decrease in quantity of pores. •Sintered SiC was treated by UNSM technique.•UNSM technique was beneficial for a decrease in quantity of pores.•Surface hardness and roughness of SiC were improved.•UNSM-treated SiC specimen exhibited better tribological properties.•The results of this study are expected to make SiC more attractive ceramic.