Tribological performance of translucent Dy-.ALPHA.-SiAlON ceramics

Dy-doped α-SiAlON ceramics with a combined property of optical translucence and wear resistance is reported in the present presentation. A considerable test was made on the tribological behavior of the Dy-α-SiAlON to find out the effects of temperature and sliding conditions on the wear properties. It was shown that the friction coefficient was the lowest (0.26) at 100°C under an applied load of 5N. Accordingly, the wear rate was the lowest at 100°C for the same Dy-α-SiAlON sample. Obviously Dy-SiAlON shows an excellent wear resistance under a suitable sliding condition under a load of 5N and 100°C condition. This appears, therefore, attractive and important for Dy-SiAlON ceramics to be used as a type of special wear resistant materials, with an optical translucence.