Processing and mechanical properties of network ceramic/steel composites by pressureless infiltration

A new style Ni-containing alumina ceramic foam based continuous three-dimensional interconnected skeleton was prepared by impregnating a polymeric sponge with aqueous ceramic slurry.Subsequently,alumina ceramic foam/steel metal matrix composites（MMCs） were prepared successfully by sand mold casting technique.The microstructure and mechanical properties of MMCs were investigated by SEM,EDS and compressive test.The results show that the depth of infiltration is about 40 μm to the bonding interface of ceramic/steel and the fracture strength σmax and plastic strain limit εp of composite are 520 MPa and 11.2%,respectively.The fretting wear mechanism of MMCs is mainly performed at the oxidative wear mode with lower load/friction frequency and the predominant oxidation wear together with slight adhesive wear and abrasive wear multiple mode with higher load/ friction frequency.Moreover,the infiltration bonding and continuous three-dimensional interconnected ceramic skeleton play a vital role in the stability of the bonding interface and excellent mechanical properties.