Microtribological behaviour of human tooth enamel and artificial hydroxyapatite

► Microtribological behaviour of enamel differs from that of artificial hydroxyapatite. ► More significant plastic deformation happened to enamel under low loads. ► No brittle delamination mechanism occurred to enamel under high loads. ► Hydroxyapatite particle size on enamel surface was reduced after scratch testing. ► Enamel microstructure plays an important role in its microtribological behaviour.