Interfacial characterization and erosive wear performance of zirconia toughened alumina ceramics particles reinforced high chromium white cast irons composites

Abstract To investigate the erosive wear-corrosion behavior of ZTAP ceramic reinforced high chromium cast iron matrix composites in two types of sand at various rotational speeds, the ZTAP/Fe composites were fabricated. The interface characteristics, erosion wear-corrosion and erosive wear mechanism have been investigated in a slurry condition at various erosion rotational speeds. The chemical composition of the matrix material was determined using a spark spectrometer. SEM, TEM, 3D laser scanning microscope and AFM were used to analyze the microstructure characteristics and worn surface morphology of the composites. Furthermore, the wear loss rate and relative erosive wear resistance of ZTAP/Fe composites and Cr15 standard specimen measurements were conducted. The results showed that the interface between the ZTAP ceramics and the Cr15 matrix exhibits a continuous transition layer without visible defects and close contacts. In the case of SiO2 and SiC abrasive sand, the wear rate of ZTAP/Fe composites and Cr15 standard specimens increases with erosion time. The wear rate of ZTAP/Fe against SiO2 sand is lower than that of against SiC sand. ZTAP/Fe composites was found to exhibit a better corrosion resistance property than that of Cr15 standard specimens.