DEPENDENCE OF SiAlON-TiN COMPOSITE PROPERTIES ON TiN REINFORCEMENT PARTICLE SIZES

Abstract

In this study, the effect of TiN particle size (nano and micrometer level), being an effective parameter on microstructural evolution, mechanical and physical properties of SiAlON-TiN composites, was investigated. SEM and the XRD characterization methods were used to observe the effects of TiN particle size on the phase and microstructural evolution. Indentation fracture toughness and Vickers hardness of the manufactured specimens were measured in order to evaluate the mechanical behavior. Archimedes principle was used to determine the bulk density and porosity. Correlation between TiN particle size and hardness, fracture toughness, microstructure, phase evolution was discussed. It was observed that decrease in particle size led to little improvement in fracture toughness and hardness.