EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/J86513/01
Title: SURFACE DAMAGE WEAR MECHANISMS AND IMPROVED WEAR RESISTANCE IN ALUMINA CERAMICS
Principal Investigator: Riley, Professor F
Other Investigators:
Davidge, Professor R Roberts, Professor SG
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Institute of Materials Research
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 November 1994 Ends: 30 April 1998 Value (£): 136,417
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Construction
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The aim of this project is to develop a design capability for alumina-based ceramics of improved wear resistance, on the basis of a detailed analysis of the response of the materials to a high-load displacement controlled indenter ( nano-indenter ) coupled with acoustic emission. A set of alumina materials of controlled microstructure and composition will be prepared by sintering and hot-pressing high purity alumina powder containing selected liquid-forming additives. The resulting materials behaviours will be mapped under low levels of point loading mimicking those likely to be experienced during erosive or abrasive wear. This experimental approach will be supported by the use of controlled wet and dry erosive wear tests, bend strength measurement, the examination of indented and worn surface by TEM and SEM, and a novel acoustic emission crack detection technique. Damage processes will be related to wear rates and material microstructure defined in terms of porosity, grain size, intergranular phase composition and location. The knowledge gained about the basic crack initiation and propagation processes on the mm scale will be used to identify microstructural features associated with optimum wear resistance, to allow the microstructural design of alumina materials of improved wear characteristics.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk