Comparative study of friction behaviour of alumina and zirconia ceramics against steel under water lubricated conditions

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to study the friction behaviour of alumina and zirconia against steel DIN‐Ck45K under water lubricated conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The tests were performed with a contact stress of 3.5 MPa and a constant sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s for 5.35 km of sliding distance, using a pin‐on‐disk tribometer.

Findings

The friction coefficient and the energy dissipated in the contact were considered in this comparative study. The zirconia ceramic present less friction coefficient and contact temperature than alumina ceramic. The zirconia present about 70 per cent of the energy dissipated against when compared with the alumina. Abrasive scars of the surface ploughing were observed on every wear track for two pairs in contact.

Research limitations/implications

This research used only one test condition.

Originality/value

The paper describes the tribological conditions used and a new methodology based on the energy dissipated in the contact is proposed.

Citation

Paulo Davim, J., Santos, E., Pereira, C. and Ferreira, J.M.F. (2008), "Comparative study of friction behaviour of alumina and zirconia ceramics against steel under water lubricated conditions", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 60 No. 4, pp. 178-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368790810881515