Title: Development of a ceramic antifriction bearing

Authors: K. Komeya, H. Kotani

Addresses: New Materials Department, Toshiba Corporation, Yokahama-shi, Japan. ' Resarch and Development Department No. 1, Koyo Seiko Ltd, Kashiwara-shi, Japan

Abstract: A high quality rolling bearing of silicon nitride was developed by improving the reliability of materials and through numerous experiments on bearing applications. The high strength silicon nitride ceramics for the bearing were developed by the use of sintering additives of yttria and alumina and newly synthesized high α-phase silicon nitride powder of uniform particle size and shape. The developed silicon nitride bearing was evaluated by rolling fatigue test in comparison with various other ceramics and high-carbon chromium steel. The result showed that silicon nitride had the best quality. Moreover, the applicabilites for high-speed bearings, all-ceramic bearings and dry-lubrication bearings were clearly recognized.

Keywords: ceramic bearings; corrosion resistance; silicon nitride bearings; sintering; wear resistance; anti-friction bearings; rolling bearings; high speed bearings; dry lubrication bearings; rolling fatigue testing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1988.036746

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1988 Vol.3 No.1, pp.54 - 67

Published online: 06 Nov 2010 *

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