Friction and Wear Behaviour of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Yttria-Stabilized ZrO2 Nanonanocomposites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

Double-walled carbon nanotube-yttria-stabilized ZrO2 nanocomposites are prepared by a mixing route followed by Spark Plasma Sintering. Incorporation of carbon at contents higher than 2 wt.% results in significantly lower friction coefficients, both against alumina and steel balls. Double-walled carbon nanotubes improve wear resistance and reduce friction without severe damage, contrary to multi-walled carbon nanotubes.