Effect of Ti and TiN inter-layers on the composite interfacial wettability and composite abrasive wear resistance

Two kinds of surface coatings containing Ti and TiN was prepared on the surface of ZrO₂ ceramic, respectively. The wettability of the high-chromium cast iron/TiN coated zirconia system at temperatures ranging from 1420 to 1460°C was investigated using the sessile drop method. The contact angle exhibited significant temperature dependence, with a value of 52° at 1420°C and 13° at 1460°C. The ceramic particles (mass fraction of ZrO₂ is 80 %, and Al₂O₃ is 20 %) were coated with Ti layer and TiN layer respectively, and two kinds of composite materials were prepared. Both types of composites exhibited tight metallurgical bonding between the metal and ceramic particles; the three-body abrasive wear test results indicated that the composite with TiN-coated ceramic particles had better wear resistance, approximately 1.2 times that of the composite with Ti-coated ceramic particles, and 6.8 times that of the pure high-Cr white cast iron, respectively.