Friction and wear behavior of hydroxyapatite based composite ceramics reinforced with fibers

The HA-based composites reinforced with multi-component fibers were prepared by hot pressing. The friction properties of the composite at different temperatures were investigated by a block-on-disc tester. The results show that the addition of Cu has a significant positive effect on the friction and wear behaviors of HA-based composites. The improvements in the friction and wear properties of HA-based composites depend on the formation of an interfacial layer. The plastic deformation and the mending effect of Cu benefit the formation of the interfacial layer. The wear mechanism of the composites changes from the delamination and abrasive wear to the adhesive wear with increasing Cu. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.