We was evaluated the wear characterization of monolithic ZrO2 ceramics and ZrO2/SiC composite ceramics. The test specimen was prepared by hot-press sintering at 35 MPa and 1723 K in a vacuum condition for 1 h. We were carried out bending test, the Vickers hardness and the abrasion test. The bending strength of as-received Z specimen was about twice higher than that of as-received ZS specimen. Average hardness of heat treated Z specimen is about 2-16% higher than that of as-received specimen. However, average hardness of as-received ZS specimen was similar to that of as-received Z specimen, average hardness of heat treated ZS specimen is 11-40% smaller than that of as-received ZS specimen. The friction coefficient of asreceived Z specimen and heat treated Z specimen were similar as a whole. Friction coefficient of ZS specimen was inversely proportional to the Vickers hardness. Wear loss of Z and ZS specimens were increased according to the Vickers hardness decreases.

Keywords: ZrO2, Heat treatment, Bending strength, Vickers hardness, Wear, Friction coefficient, Wear loss.