Sliding friction and wear performance of the nano-bioceramic α-Al2O3 prepared by high energy milling

The structural evolution and morphological changes of the nanostructured alpha-Al2O3 powder using different milling times (1, 8, 16 and 24 h) were studied. It is observed that the crystallite size of the particles reduced to 2 nm after milling for 24 h. Morphological studies of powder particles indicated that the powder particle size continuously decreases with increasing milling time. The sliding wear rate and wear coefficient of friction were lower in the nanocrystalline samples milled at 24 h at same applied load (3, 6 or 10 N). The improved friction and wear resistance is attributed to the finer microstructure of the sample milled for 24 h. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.