Effects of material properties and testing parameters on wear properties of fine-grain zirconia (TZP)

The wear behaviors of yttria-doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics with different microstructures worn against diamond wheel under various wearing conditions were investigated and compared to that of dense magnesia-doped partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) and fine-grain Al2O3. A block-on-wheel tribometer with unidirectional sliding was used to carry out the wear experiments. The friction coefficient of dry sliding was recorded. The worn surfaces of these materials were also characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface profilometry. The wear resistance of worn pieces were analyzed and determined. The possible wear mechanisms and a master wear equation of the ceramics are proposed and discussed. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A.