| Abstract: | The friction and wear behaviour of materials is often characterised in laboratory tests using a simple ball-on-flat configuration. From this type of test can be derived information useful in guiding the development of tribomaterials and in helping select candidate materials for specific applications. A large variety of tribotesting methods exists, and indeed several are not yet standardised. One of these methods is the oscillating sliding test, where a ball moves in relation to a disc, usually with small strokes. This method is almost non-destructive and can be applied to very small specimens. One of the most important parameters in laboratory tests is the humidity of the surrounding air. Experimental results on the friction and wear characteristics of different ceramics tested against different ball materials at room temperature in oscillating sliding contact are presented here and discussed, taking into account the effects of the test duration, relative humidity, and counterbody material. |
