Effect of surface residual stresses on surface crack behaviour and wear of Y-TZP

The process for inducing compressive residual stresses on the surface of 3Y-TZP was defined. The residual stresses were measured and their effect on surface crack propagation assessed. The wear behaviour of stress free and stressed TZP was evaluated using the pin-on-disc method and the influence of a thin layer of about 14 ?m containing compressive residual stresses was evidenced. © 1997 Trans Tech Publications.