In this paper, the rolling contact fatigue strength of zirconia monolithic and zirconia composites was investigated using steel balls under dry conditions. The fatigue life of zirconia monolithic with shot peening was longer than that of zirconia monolithic without shot peening. The fatigue life of SP180 was longer than that of SP300. The fatigue life of all zirconia composites was reduced by shot peening. Many fine cracks were generated on the surface of the zirconia composites due to the differences in the thermal expansion coefficient and the phase transformation. A great deal of flaking occurred caused by the rolling contact. The zirconia composites showed a crack healing ability, and a review and study of additives is thus required to improve the rolling contact fatigue strength.

Keywords: Zirconia ceramics, Shot peening, Rolling contact, Fatigue strength, Surface roughness, Residual stress.