Dry sliding tribological behavior of Zr-based bulk metallic glass

The tribological behavior of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) was investigated using pin-on-disk sliding measurements in two different environments, i.e., air and argon, against an yttria-stabilized zirconia counterface. It was found that the wear of the Zr-based BMG was reduced by more than 45% due to the removal of oxygen from the test environment at two different loads, i.e., 16 N and 23 N. The wear pins were examined using X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and optical surface profilometry. A number of abrasive particles and grooves presented on the worn surface of the pin tested in air, while a relatively smooth worn surface was observed in the specimens tested in argon. The wear mechanism of the pin worn in air was dominated by abrasive wear compared with an adhesive wear controlled process in the tests performed in argon.