Tribological behavior of alumina-added apatite–wollastonite glass–ceramics in simulated body fluid

Tribological properties of an alumina-added apatite–wollastonite glass–ceramic produced by controlled heat treatment of a glass in the system MgO–CaO–SiO2–P2O5–Al2O3 have been evaluated and compared with those of selected commercial dental ceramics, Duceragold and IPS Empress. Tribological tests were performed in dry condition and in simulated body fluid (SBF) using a pin-on-disk apparatus. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate of the tested materials were measured in dry and in artificial saliva (simulated body fluid: SBF) in order to elucidate the appropriateness of the alumina-added apatite–wollastonite (A–W) glass–ceramic for dental applications. Wear rate of the materials investigated varied from 0.96 × 10−4 mm3 N−1 m to 41.37 × 10−4 mm3 N−1 m depending on the bioenvironmental test conditions. The results of this study revealed that the alumina-added A–W glass–ceramic becomes more wear resistant as sintering temperature is increased and exhibits tribological properties similar to those of the commercial dental materials investigated.