An effective additive for enhancing the hydrophilic properties of alumina was identified. The mechanical and frictional properties of the resultant material were characterized. The contact angle varied greatly depending on the kind of additive. ZnO was found to be the additive that most reduced the water contact angle of conventional alumina. ZnO-added alumina, with such enhanced hydrophilic properties, naturally exhibited excellent frictional properties in the boundary-lubrication region. Its strength (388 MPa) was equivalent to that of conventional alumina.
