Effects of the sliding conditions on the tribological behavior of atmospheric plasma sprayed Al2O3–15 wt.% ZrO2–CaF2 composite coating

In this study, we focused on the fabrication of self-lubricating Al2O3–15 wt.% ZrO2 based ceramic composite coating layers, which have a high temperature and low friction component like calcium fluoride (CaF2). These coating layers were deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) method. Effects of CaF2 and wear test conditions on the tribological behaviors of Al2O3–15 wt.% ZrO2 based ceramic composite coating layers were investigated. Al2O3–15 wt.% ZrO2 ceramic composite coatings on the Al substrate were made by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) method. The coefficient of friction of APSed Al2O3–15 wt.% ZrO2 composite coating layers was reduced from 3.01 to 40.63% due to CaF2. The coefficient of friction of APSed Al2O3–15 wt.% ZrO2 composite coating layers with/without CaF2 was not affected by wear and friction test conditions. However, the wear rates of APSed Al2O3–15 wt.% ZrO2 composite coating layers with/without CaF2 were related closely to wear and friction test conditions.

► We focused on the design and the tribological behaviors for self-lubricating ceramic composite coating layers using CaF2.
► Self-lubricating Al2O3–ZrO2 composite coating with/without CaF2 deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) technique
► Effects of sliding conditions on tribological behaviors of Al2O3–ZrO2 composite are studied in detail.