Scratch resistance of several structural ceramics was investigated using a conical diamond tool in an instrumented rotating scratch facility. The normal (thrust) and the tangential (cutting) forces induced during the scratch process were recorded using high speed force transducers. The volume of material removed and the complete scratch groove characteristics were analysed using laser profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the volume of material removed in a given scratch groove, material properties and the measured forces, a "scratch resistance measure" that reflects the susceptibility of a ceramic to scratching-induced damage was developed. This measure is expected to assist in the ranking of ceramics for their resistance to scratching.
