Performance Study of LaPO4-Y2O3 Composite Fabricated by Sol-Gel Process Using Abrasive Waterjet Machining

Introduction

Ceramic materials are well known for its high temperature stability, high strength, relatively low density, high hardness, excellent wear and corrosion resistance. In present days the efforts have been taken to improve their toughness so that better machineability can be achieved. However, the growing demand of new materials for use in a variety of environments has become necessary to investigate and identify new materials which will suit to specific requirements. The rare earth phosphate material because of its poor toughness and high brittleness, it is limited in its wide practical applications.

Development of rare earth composites is of great interest to the researchers owing to their advantages over conventional materials. Among them, rare earth lanthanum phosphates had attracted many researchers as Sujith (2014), Chenghao (2015), Min (2001) whose study explores the unique characteristics of the composite like: high temperature withstanding capacity, non-reactant, chemically inert and no phase transformation at elevated sintering temperature and it also proved that the Lanthanum Phosphate (LaPO₄) acts as an interfacial material in machining composite. Gong (2006), had proved that the LaPO₄ in the composite mixture will enhance to form an interfacial layer while machining. Hence it induces the toughness property to the hard materials and leads to increase the machiniability of the materials. Abdul Majeed (2008), prepared Al₂O₃-LaPO₄ composite, with an addition of 30% of LaPO₄. This composite was identified to have least hardness value and improves machinability.