Effect of Y2O3 Additive on Mechanical and Wear Behaviour of hBN Reinforced SiC Ceramic matrix composite

In this research work, dense silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic matrix composite reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride (10 vol. %) and Yttria (Y2O3) as sintering additive (2 vol. %) has prepared through spark plasma sintering at 1800 °C. The microstructure, mechanical, and sliding wear behaviour of composite with additive and without additive have been investigated. The hardness and sliding wear behaviour of composites were investigated by using a Vickers microhardness tester and ball on disc Tribometer respectively. The experimental results disclosed that, the additive Y2O3 played a significant role in densifying the composites. Almost full relative density (R.D. ∼ 99%) was achieved in the case of the composite containing Y2O3. However, only 96% relative density was achieved in the case of additive (Y2O3) free composite. The addition of Y2O3 to the SiC-hBN composite significantly improved the hardness and wear resistance of the SiC-hBN composite.