Analysis of Sliding Wear Properties of Oxide Ceramics by an Indentation Fracture Model

Abstract

Characterization of wear properties have been made with indentation fracture models. However, wear loss is not fully characterized, probably due to the following reasons. (1) This model was used without considering the limits of application. (2) The effect of roughness at the frictional surface on wear properties was not investigated. We attempted to estimate the wear properties quantitatively using an indentation fracture model. Pin-on-disk wear tests were carried out for some oxide ceramics. Oxides used were Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2, MgSiO3 and their composites. The relation between wear losses (V) and vertical load (P) was presented by V∝P9/8 as inferred from this model, excepting for low vertical loads. Thus, this model was applicable to only the vertical load. The change in roughness at the frictional surface with wear has affected wear loss. By considering the change in conditions at the frictional surface, wear loss was characterized by the function of mechanical parameters (toughness, hardness, Youngs' modulus), which was derived from the indentation fracture model.