Nondestructive evaluation of surface degradation of silicon carbide–cordierite ceramics subjected to the erosive wear

Covalent bond in SiC ceramic request high temperature for its sintering. In order to put down sintering temperature of SiC ceramics we choose cordierite as phase between SiC particles. Reactive sintering is an effective way to produce ceramics at relatively low temperature. We have created in situ SiC/cordierite composite at 1250 °C. Cordierite precursor was made from commercially available spinel, alumina and quartz. The possibilities of using silicon carbide–cordierite material as resistant to the erosive wear was goal of this investigation. The fluid dynamic system of the experimental methodology was used here to produce ultrasonic erosive wear. Mass loss and level of degradation were measured before and during the experiment. Level of degradation of the samples was monitored using Image Pro Plus program for image analysis. Average erosion ring diameter as well as average erosion area were monitored during experiment. Obtained results pointed out that after 150 min sample exhibited excellent erosion resistance compared to metal and ceramic samples.