Impact of wire-EDM on tribological characteristics of ZrO₂-based composites in dry sliding contact with WC-Co-cemented carbide

The effect of surface conditions and secondary phase addition on the dry sliding friction and wear characteristics of five yttria-stabilized ZrO₂-based composites with 40 vol% WC, TiCN or TiN was investigated using an ASTM G133 pin-on-flat sliding contact configuration. WC–6wt%Co-cemented carbide pins were used as mating material. The friction and wear level were higher for wire-EDMed ZrO₂-based composites compared to their equivalent ground specimens. This finding could be correlated to flexural strength measurements, revealing strong discrepancy between wire-EDMed and ground surfaces. The most favorable tribological characteristics were encountered with ZrO₂–WC composites compared to ZrO₂–TiCN and ZrO₂–TiN grades.status: publishe