Hardness Improvement on Graphite by Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) Reinforcement using Slurry Infiltration
DOI: 10.14416/j.ind.tech.2024.08.003
Keywords:
Graphite, Si3N4 reinforcement, Infiltration, Hardness, Composite materialAbstract
Graphite was an attractive material for high-temperature applications, however, there was limited in its relatively low hardness. In this study, a reinforced graphite composite with Si3N4 was developed through infiltrating a silicon slurry onto the graphite surface. The slurry infiltration process was carried out for different durations: 5, 10, and 15 minutes, then sintered at a high temperature of 1,450 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The research revealed the presence of α-Si3N4 and β-Si3N4 particles in the microstructure of the graphite composite, with higher quantities observed after 15-minute infiltration. The Si3N4 reinforcement influenced the porosity of the graphite, resulting in a reduction in porosity and an increase in hardness by 53.98%, 140.18%, and 217.49% after infiltration durations of 5, 10, and 15 minutes, respectively. Notably, the maximum enhancement in hardness (217.49%) was achieved with Si3N4 reinforcement and a 15-minute infiltration, attributed to the effective dispersion of Si3N4 within the graphite porosity. This led to a remarkable increase in hardness, reaching a peak value of 15.07 GPa. The improvement in mechanical properties and the reinforcement with Si3N4 have significantly enhanced the hardness of the graphite composite, making it crucial for developing high-performance materials with abrasion resistance and increased mechanical strength.
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