Influence of secondary electro-conductive phases on the electrical discharge machinability and frictional behavior of ZrO2-based ceramic composites

ZrO2-based composites with 40 vol.% WC, TiCN or TiN were processed in order to investigate the wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) possibility in demineralised water. The relationships between material removal rate (MRR), surface finish and wire EDM parameters were derived. Tribological data were obtained on wire-EDM’ed ZrO2-based composites in reciprocating sliding contact with WC/Co cemented carbide using a pin-on-plate testing rig. Correlations between coefficient of friction on the one hand and material properties and test conditions on the other hand were determined. The experimental results revealed a strong influence of the secondary electro-conductive phase on the EDM behavior, surface finish, mechanical properties and frictional characteristics of the ZrO2-based composites.