Abstract
Humidity is reported to have a considerable influence on the tribological behaviour of engineering ceramics. This paper reports on fretting wear experiments (mode I, reciprocating sliding) with self-mated polycrystalline tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics under dry, ambient and humid conditions. Based on the friction and wear data as well as the morphological investigation of the worn surfaces, the wear mechanisms under different humidity conditions are elucidated. It is unequivocally demonstrated that high humidity (85-90 % RH) significantly reduces friction and wear of self-mated Y-TZP ceramics. The morphology of the wear pits indicates that tribomechanical wear via cracking induced spalling is the major wear mechanism in dry and ambient humidity conditions. XPS analysis of worn surfaces revealed that the cause for the lower friction and wear under high humidity conditions is the formation of a lubricious hydroxide layer.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
