Tribological behaviour of composite materials based on clinker portland reinforced with oxides

The wear behaviour of composites based on clinker portland reinforced with 3, 6 and 9% by weight of different oxides (alumina, magnesia and silica), using a “pin-on-disk” test was studied. All materials were prepared by dry mixing in a ball mill and compacting at 180 MPa using cold isostatic pressing (CIP). The final sintering was carried out at 1400°C in air. After sintering, all samples were polished to 0.8 μm and their wear behaviour was evaluated in a tribometer against a spherical pin of alumina (1900 HV). Friction coefficients and wear rates were obtained. The wear behaviour study was completed with a microstructural study by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).