A relationship between microstructure and the tribological properties of Apatite-Wollastonite glass ceramics (A-W GC), fabricated by different techniques of melt casting and powder packing processing, was studied. The surface crystallization of wollastonite caused a unique surface strengthening in an A-W GC prepared by the melt casting process. The wear rate did not vary between the free surface and interior in an A-W GC made by the powder packing process, whereas an increase of the wear rate with an increase in the distance from the free surface was detected in an A-W GC fabricated by the melt casting process. However, the melt casting process resulted in a higher wear resistance in an A-W glass ceramics for prosthetic applications.

Keywords: Tribology, Apatite-Wollastonite, Glass ceramic, Melt casting, Powder packing.