Tribological behavior of wire-EDM’ed ZrO2 composites and cemented carbides

Abstract

Five ZrO2-based composites (ZrO2-WC, ZrO2-TiCN and ZrO2-TiN grades) and five WC-Co cemented carbide grades were machined by wire-EDM and tested on a linearly reciprocating sliding pin-on-flat tribometer PLINT TE77 in dry conditions against WC-6wt%Co pins. Measurement of friction coefficient and penetration depth due to wear was performed continuously. The results revealed a strong influence of the secondary phase, surface finish, chemical and mechanical properties on the tribological characteristics of the ZrO2-based composites and cemented carbides. WC10Co(Cr/V) displayed superior wear resistance compared to the other grades. The lowest coefficient of friction was encountered with ZrO2-WC.