ABSTRACT
The microstructure generated by the dry sliding wear of a zirconia ceramic (3Y-TZP) has been examined by TEM. High wear rates were associated with dramatic microstructural changes. The outer surface consisted of fine (~6nm) tetragonal crystallites. Below this the tetragonal grains had become elongated, corresponding to a 95% reduction in thickness. The first monoclinic zirconia was found at a depth of ~2.5μm, some of which was plastically deformed. Some evidence of dislocation flow was found in both zirconia phases. The mechanisms of high strain deformation are discussed.
