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

The research work has demonstrated the effect of hydrothermal ageing (121 degrees 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 (Ra, Rq) 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.

Automated summary

The research has demonstrated the impact of hydrothermal ageing on the friction and wear behavior of SrO-doped ZTA composite, showing the transfer of ZrO2 particles between the tribo couples and establishing the critical load for mild to severe wear. Surface topography, wear regime behavior, roughness parameters, and in vitro bioactivity were assessed to understand the influence of load and ageing conditions.