The friction and wear properties of RGO/3Y-TZP composites under dry sliding

Abstract

The graphene oxide (GO)/yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) composites were fabricated by impregnating the GO dispersion into the zirconium oxide ceramic and sintered by microwave method. The wear and friction properties of the composites were tested by pan-on-disk method, and the results showed that the coefficient of friction and the wear rate decreased and the wear rate of silicon carbide ball was nearly similar with the increase of GO volume fraction. The microstructure of wear surface of the reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/3Y-TZP composite and the 3Y-TZP were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, respectively. It was indicated that plastic deformation was occurred and the carbon-rich tribofilm was formed in the RGO/3Y-TZP composite, and the tribofilm of the RGO/3Y-TZP composite showed better wear performance than the 3Y-TZP.