Critical load and wear regime of hydrothermal-aged SrO-doped ZTA composite

Abstract

The research work has demonstrated the effect of hydrothermal ageing ([Formula: see text]C, 40 h, 1.034 bar) on friction and wear behavior of SrO-doped zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) composite. Surface topography and wear regime behavior are established in the perspective of ageing time, load, phase transformation and toughening phenomena. The estimated critical load is confirming the expedition of mild to severe wear in the presence of microcrack formation during adhesive and abrasive wear between SrO-doped ZTA (disc) and ZrO2 (ball) tribo couples, where adhesion between the SrO–ZTA disc and ZrO2 ball results in transfer of ZrO2 particles from ball to disc. Roughness parameters ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) are elucidated to understand the influence of load and ageing conditions, as well as the in vitro bioactivity of sintered specimens is assessed in simulative body fluid (SBF) solution.