Bearing Materials

[ginsoakedboy]

Most of the engineers on here probably know that ceramics are being widely used in both sliding (or hydrodynamic) as well as rolling element bearings. However, Silicon Nitride ceramics seem to find more favor among rolling element bearings whereas Silicon Carbide is used mostly among sliding bearings.

My question is, what makes Silicon Nitride unsuitable for sliding bearings?

 

[Ceramicguy]

Nothing.

SiC is harder, more erosion resistant, more corrosion resistant, lower coefficient of friction against most materials, readily available, good supplier base and lower cost.

Bruce

http://www.accuratus.com