LAUSR

Abstract The effect of Y2O3 addition on structure, mechanical properties and tribological properties of Al2O3-13 wt% TiO2 coating was investigated. The addition of 20 wt% Y2O3 resulted in better densification, stabilization of alpha (α) alumina phase and improvement in fracture toughness of Al2O3-13 wt% TiO2 coating. Abrasive wear tests were performed over a range of loads and sliding speeds. The stabilization of α alumina phase further increased with an increase in severity of wear test conditions, as noted from X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of worn coatings. Al2O3-13 wt% TiO2-20 wt% Y2O3 coating displayed lower friction coefficient and lower abrasive wear rate than Al2O3-13 wt% TiO2 coating, which was due to synergistic effect of α alumina phase and formation of magneli phase oxide of titanium; Ti2O3. Friction energy map was used to rationalize observed wear rates, to identify different regimes of wear and degradation modes of coatings.