Effect of silicon nitride nanoparticles on the microstructure, phase, hardness and wear properties of NiCrAlY-based nanocomposite

Despite the significant oxidation resistance of NiCrAlY alloy, one of the disadvantages of this alloy is its softness and poor mechanical properties, and low wear resistance. Therefore, in this study, silicon nitride nanoparticles have been used to improve the hardness and wear resistance of the NiCrAlY alloy. The present research has examined the effect of different amounts of Si3N4 nanoparticles (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) on the structure and mechanical properties of NiCrAlY alloy. The samples were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Vickers microhardness device. Initially, Si3N4 powders with 1, 3, and 5 wt% were mixed with NiCrAlY powder in a mechanical mill. Next, the powdered mixtures underwent spark plasma sintering (SPS) operations at 1100 °C for 6 min. The results of microhardness measurements showed that adding 1% Si3N4 to NiCrAlY caused the elevation of the hardness from 418 to 614 HV. Further, the sample indicated a wear rate of 1.42 × 10−5 (m3/N.m) at room temperature, under a loading force of 9.8 N, and a sliding length of 500 m. However, with an increase in the weight percentage of Si3N4 in the sample from 1 to 5 wt%, the hardness diminished from 614 to 543 HV.