Antifriction characteristics of quasi-nano alumina reinforced with Zr-O-B compounds against cemented carbides

► The friction and wear behavior of this new material, coupled with cemented carbide ball in unlubricated conditions, were investigated. ► The mechanism responsible was explained as the formation of a lubricating film between the sliding couple, and the composition of this lubricating film was found to be ZrO2 and B2O3. ► The generated lubricating film can decrease the friction coefficient of the composites, and makes the wear rate did not reach the theory value.