Influence of multi-interfacial structure on mechanical and tribological properties of TiSiN/Ag multilayer coatings

The TiSiN/Ag multilayer coatings with bilayer periods of ~50, 65, 80, 115, 150, and 410 nm have been deposited on Ti6Al4 V alloy by arc ion plating. In order to improve the adhesion of the TiSiN/Ag multilayer coatings, TiN buffer layer was first deposited on titanium alloy. The multi-interfacial TiSiN/Ag layers possess alternating TiSiN and Ag layers. The TiSiN layers display a typical nanocrystalline/amorphous microstructure, with nanocrystalline TiN and amorphous Si₃N₄. TiN nanocrystallites embed in amorphous Si₃N₄ matrix exhibiting a fine-grained crystalline structure. The Ag layers exhibit ductile nanocrystalline metallic silver. The coatings appear to be a strong TiN (200)-preferred orientation for fiber texture growth. Moreover, the grain size of TiN decreases with the decrease of the bilayer periods. Evidence concluded from transmission electron microscopy revealed that multi-interfacial structures effectively limit continuous growth of single (200)-preferred orientation coarse columnar TiN crystals. The hardness of the coatings increases with the decreasing bilayer periods. Multi-interface can act as a lubricant, effectively hinder the cracks propagation and prevent aggressive seawater from permeating to substrate through the micro-pores to some extent, reducing the friction coefficient and wear rates. It was found that the TiSiN/Ag multilayer coating with a bilayer period of 50 nm shows an excellent wear resistance due to the fine grain size, high hardness, and silver-lubricated transfer films formed during wear tests.     

Enhancement of mechanical and tribological properties in AISI D3 steel substrates by using a non-isostructural CrN/AlN multilayer coating

Enhancement of mechanical and tribological properties on AISI D3 steel surfaces coated with CrN/AlN multilayer systems deposited in various bilayer periods (Λ) via magnetron sputtering has been studied in this work exhaustively. The coatings were characterized in terms of structural, chemical, morphological, mechanical and tribological properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron dispersive spectrograph, atomic force microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, nanoindentation, pin-on-disc and scratch tests. The failure mode mechanisms were observed via optical microscopy. Results from X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystal structure of CrN/AlN multilayer coatings has a NaCl-type lattice structure and hexagonal structure (wurtzite-type) for CrN and AlN, respectively, i.e., made was non-isostructural multilayers. An enhancement of both hardness and elastic modulus up to 28 GPa and 280 GPa, respectively, was observed as the bilayer periods (Λ) in the coatings were decreased. The sample with a bilayer period (Λ) of 60 nm and bilayer number n  =  50 showed the lowest friction coefficient (∼0.18) and the highest critical load (43 N), corresponding to 2.2 and 1.6 times better than those values for the coating deposited with n = 1, respectively. The best behavior was obtained when the bilayer period (Λ) is 60 nm (n = 50), giving the highest hardness 28 GPa and elastic modulus of 280 GPa, the lowest friction coefficient (∼0.18) and the highest critical load of 43 N. These results indicate an enhancement of mechanical, tribological and adhesion properties, comparing to the CrN/AlN multilayer systems with 1 bilayer at 28%, 21%, 40%, and 30%, respectively. This enhancement in hardness and toughness for multilayer coatings could be attributed to the different mechanisms for layer formation with nanometric thickness such as the Hall–Petch effect and the number of interfaces that act as obstacles for the crack deflection and dissipation of crack energy.     

Co-doping of sulfur and boron in CVD-diamond

Diamond films had been grown by microwave plasma-assisted CVD using acetone diluted in hydrogen. Sulfur incorporation in diamond was achieved by co-doping method using dimethyl disulfide and boron dioxide. Structural and compositional characterization of the as-grown films was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectrum, auger electron spectrometer (AES) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). AES and PIXE analyses confirmed that the sulfur was successfully introduced into diamond films. N-type conduction of the films was confirmed by Seebeck-effect measurements. The donor activity of the sulfur decreased from 0.52 to 0.39 eV with increasing of S incorporation into diamond. Results indicated that boron facilitated the sulfur into diamond via co-doping method.     

Effect of multilayer coating on mechanical properties of Nicalon-fibre-reinforced silicon carbide composites

Nicalon-fibre-reinforced SiC composites were fabricated by combining polymer solution infiltration (PSI) and chemical vapour infiltration (CVI). Effect of multilayer coating on mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The coatings consisted of chemically vapour deposited (CVD) C and SiC and were designed to enhance fibre pull-out in the composites. It was found that the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composites were increased with the number of coating layers and was a maximum for 7 coating layers which consisted of C/SiC/C/SiC/C/SiC/C. Typical flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composites were 300 MPa and 14.5 MPa m^1/2, respectively.     

Fabrication and evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of boron carbide reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites

In this study, fabrication and characterization of bulk Al–B₄C nanocomposites were investigated. B₄C nanoparticles were mixed with pure Al powder by ball milling to produce Al–B₄C powder. Al–B₄C powders containing different amounts of B₄C (5, 10 and 15 wt.%) were subsequently hot pressed to produce bulk nanocomposite samples. Consolidated samples were characterized by hardness, compression and wear tests. Results showed that the sample with 15 wt.% B₄C had the optimum properties. This sample had a value of 164 HV which is significantly higher than 33 HV for pure Al. Also, ultimate compressive strength of the sample was measured to be 485 MPa which is much higher than that for pure Al (130 MPa). The wear resistance of the nanocomposites increased significantly by increasing the B₄C content. Dominant wear mechanisms for Al–B₄C nanocomposites were determined to be formation of mechanical mixed layer on the surface of samples.     

Influence of different boron precursors on superconducting and mechanical properties of MgB2

The superconducting, structural and mechanical properties of MgB₂ bulk samples have been studied as a function of precursor B powder particle size by means of AC susceptibility, XRD and microhardness measurements, respectively. The in situ processed MgB₂ samples have been prepared by means of conventional solid state reaction method with magnesium powder (99.8 %, 325 mesh) and four different types of boron powders (95.2, >95, 91.9 and 86.7 %) from two sources, Pavezyum and Sigma Aldrich. The XRD measurements showed that the diffraction peaks for our samples belong to the main phase of the MgB₂ diffraction patterns. The highest critical temperature T _c = 37.7 K was achieved for the MgB₂ sample which was fabricated by using >95 % purity amorphous boron. Microhardness measurements were performed to investigate the mechanical properties. Load independent hardness, Vickers microhardness, Young’s modulus, fracture toughness, and yield strength values were calculated separately for all samples. The results were analyzed by using the Meyer’s law, proportional sample resistance model, elastic–plastic deformation model, Hays Kendall approach, and indentation induced cracking (IIC) model. It was found that the IIC model is the most successful model to describe the mechanical properties of our samples.     

Influence of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of iron-based coating

Iron-based alloys were deposited on the low carbon steel by plasma cladding process. Furnace annealing was conducted at 600 °C for 40 min. Resulting microstructure and phases were observed and investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Effect of post heat treatment on the mechanical properties of coatings was also studied by instrumented indentation technique. It was found that solid solution γ-(Fe, Ni, Cr) and carbide reinforced phases Cr₇C₃ were the main phases of as-cladding coatings while iron carbide became the main carbide reinforced phase for annealed coatings. For all coatings, hardness and reduced elastic modulus showed obvious load dependence, namely decreased with the indentation load increasing. It was found that calculated values of annealed coatings were generally lower than those of as-cladding coatings as a result of the dissolution of the eutectic structure which decreased the effect of dispersion strengthening.     

加载参数对TiN涂层摩擦磨损行为的影响

TiN薄膜广泛应用于低速轴承、钟表齿轮等环境中,而微载、低速条件下TiN薄膜的摩擦学特性是其重要服役性能之一.采用球盘式干滑动摩擦磨损试验机,研究了多弧离子镀TiN薄膜在微载、低速条件下的摩擦磨损特性.研究表明:在本试验范围内,薄膜的摩擦系数随着载荷的增加而升高,磨盘转速和转动半径对摩擦系数基本没有影响;载荷、磨盘转速的升高缩短了材料的磨合时间,而转动半径的增加延长了磨合距离.磨损以对磨钢球的犁削磨损为主,磨损体积随转动半径的增加而增加.     

爆炸喷涂AlCuFeSc准晶涂层的摩擦学性能研究

采用爆炸喷涂制备了AlCuFeSc准晶涂层,借助扫描电镜、X射线衍射对准晶涂层的微观及物相结构进行了表征,通过显微硬度计测试了准晶涂层的表面硬度,结果表明涂层与基体间结合良好,其中涂层主要由准晶相和β-AlFe组成,室温下涂层的表面硬度为569.4HV0.3,经退火处理后涂层硬度最高可达到658.33HV0.3。同时开展了在室温和700 ℃高温环境中,5、15、25 N不同载荷下AlCuFeSc准晶涂层的摩擦磨损性能研究,利用白光干涉仪对磨痕进行三维形貌观测并计算磨损的磨痕宽度、磨痕深度、体积损失,得出磨损率;采用SEM分析了不同实验条件下磨痕形貌的特征。结果表明,AlCuFeSc准晶涂层在不同温度及不同载荷下的耐磨系数在0.500~0.656之间(均低于基体),室温环境下准晶涂层的磨损机制随载荷增加从磨粒磨损为主转变为粘着磨损为主;高温环境下磨损机制则都以粘着磨损为主,准晶涂层对2A12基体具有良好的减摩耐磨功能。     

Influence of boron addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of dental cast titanium alloys

As-cast titanium alloys prepared using a dental cast machine with a series of boron additions have been studied using an optical microscope, XRD, SEM, and hardness and tensile testing. It has been shown that a small amount of boron addition induces a significant refinement of as-cast structure and improvement of mechanical properties. Titanium borides, TiB particles, are observed in Ti matrix. Tensile ductility of cast Ti–B and Ti–0.5Si–B alloys is improved obviously when boron content is about 0.086–0.14 mass%. This is primarily due to the role of borides precipitated at the prior β boundary and refinement of the prior β grains. Cast Ti–B alloys with a good combination of greater tensile ductility and strength can be obtained with very low boron addition.     

Microstructure,mechanical and tribological properties of high velocity oxy fuel thermal spray coating: A review

Iron alloy based amorphous coating materials have enormous potential in wide range of applications such as petrochemical, aerospace, ocean, and electronic communications due to their better mechanical properties, chemical properties, magnetic properties and tribological properties. The industrial applications of coating are increasing rapidly due to many advancements in the material development and coating deposition techniques. The present paper reviewed the recent progresses in deposition technologies, development of new high order alloys and composite based coating materials. In this regard, change in microstructure, elemental composition, mechanical and tribological properties on performance of iron alloy based coating properties were presented. It can be concluded that the tribological properties of coating is dependent on pre-coating and post-coating factors. Pre-coating factors include coating deposition techniques, coating layer thickness and coating parameters such as spray distance, oxygen flow rate etc. Post-coating factors include microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness and adhesion strength. Therefore, multi-criteria decision making techniques can be the best approach to find the optimum formulation of coating materials to achieve desired set of objectives under the conflicting criteria.     

电子束重熔对机械合金化法制备TiC/Ti复合涂层组织及摩擦性能的影响

对机械合金化（MA）法制备的TiC/Ti复合涂层进行电子束重熔处理,分析了经过不同电子束扫描速度的重熔工艺后TiC/Ti复合涂层组织和耐磨性能的变化规律。结果表明,当扫描速度为5~15 mm/s时,重熔处理消除了MA法制备的TiC/Ti复合涂层中的孔隙和裂纹,使其硬度与耐磨性能显著提高;但扫描速度过快（20 mm/s）时,TiC/Ti复合涂层内部出现重熔导致的孔洞缺陷。随着扫描速度由5 mm/s增加至15 mm/s,重熔后TiC/Ti复合涂层中的TiC相由粗大树枝状晶体逐渐转变为弥散分布的短棒和颗粒状晶体,弥散强化作用和固溶强化作用逐渐增强,TiC/Ti复合涂层的硬度由重熔前HV 554逐渐提高至HV 783,磨损速率由5.93×10-4 mm3（N·m）-1逐渐下降至1.75×10-4 mm3（N·m）-1,扫描速度为15 mm/s重熔后TiC/Ti复合涂层的性能最佳。      

Anisotropic tribological properties of the coating on a magnetic recording disk

Mechanical and analytical tools were used to characterize the coatings on a magnetic recording disk. The mechanical and tribological properties of the coating were evaluated using the nano-indentation and nano-scratch tests. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) were used to determine the thickness and elemental compositions of the coating layers, while the atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the surface topology and roughness. It was shown that the disk surface had a texture preferentially oriented along the circumferential direction with fairly uniform summit height and little waviness. The variations of surface roughness data were analyzed statistically, based on the Gaussian probability and Weibull cumulative probability theories. The coefficient of friction and the surface roughness were found to depend on scan direction relative to the coating texture. The hardness and elastic modulus were strongly influenced by the coating/substrate interaction and the surface roughness of the coating.     

Investigation of tribological and mechanical properties of metal bearings

Copper, aluminum and tin-lead based alloys are widely used as journal bearing materials in tribological applications. Bronze and brass are widely used as journal bearing materials for copper based alloys. Zamacs find applications as journal bearing materials for zinc based alloys, while duralumines are chosen as journal bearing materials for aluminum based alloys. In addition, white metals are widely used as journal bearing materials for tin-lead based alloys. These alloys ensure properties expected from journal bearings. In this study, tribological and mechanical properties of these journal bearings manufactured by metals were investigated. SAE 1050 steel shaft was used as counter abrader. Experiments were carried out in every 30 min for a total of 150 min by using radial journal bearing wear test rig.     

Influence of carbon nanotube-polymeric compatibilizer masterbatches on morphological, thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of polyethylene

Study was made of the effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polymeric compatibilizer on thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE). The composites were prepared by melt mixing in two steps. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were melt mixed with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PEgMA) as polymeric compatibilizer to produce a PEgMA-CNT masterbatch containing 20 wt% of CNTs. The masterbatch was then added to HDPE to prepare HDPE nanocomposites with CNT content of 2 or 6 wt%. The unmodified and modified (hydroxyl or amine groups) CNTs had similar effects on the properties of HDPE-PEgMA indicating that only non-covalent interactions were achieved between CNTs and matrix. According to SEM studies, single nanotubes and CNT agglomerates (size up to 1 μm) were present in all nanocomposites regardless of content or modification of CNTs. Addition of CNTs to HDPE-PEgMA increased decomposition temperature, but only slight changes were observed in crystallization temperature, crystallinity, melting temperature, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE). Young’s modulus and tensile strength of matrix clearly increased, while elongation at break decreased. Measured values of Young’s moduli of HDPE-PEgMA-CNT composites were between the values of Young’s moduli for longitudinal (E₁₁) and transverse (E₂₂) direction predicted by Mori-Tanaka and Halpin-Tsai composite theories. Addition of CNTs to HDPE-PEgMA did not change the tribological properties of the matrix. Because of its higher crystallinity, PEgMA possessed significantly different properties from HDPE matrix: better mechanical properties, lower friction and wear, and lower CLTE in normal direction. Interestingly, the mechanical and tribological properties and CLTEs of HDPE-PEgMA-CNT composites lie between those of PEgMA and HDPE.     

Investigation of mechanical and tribological behaviors of multilayer graphene reinforced Ni3Al matrix composites

Multilayer graphene (MLG) shows an attractive prospect for the demanding engineering applications. This paper reports the mechanical and tribological properties of MLG reinforced Ni₃Al matrix composites (NMCs) under dry sliding at varying sliding speed. The hardness and elastic modulus of the NMCs are significantly influenced with MLG content. It is found that the hardness and elastic modulus of the NMCs are found to be increased by increasing MLG content up to 1.0 wt.%, while decreased when MLG content is above 1.0 wt.%. Tribological experiments suggest that MLG can dramatically improve the wear resistance and decrease the friction coefficient of the NMCs. Such marked improvement of wear resistance is attributed to the reinforcing mechanisms of MLG, such as crack deflection and pull-out, and reduction of friction coefficient is related to the formation of a tribofilm on the sliding contact surface.     

Structure,hardness and tribological properties of nanolayered TiN/TaN multilayer coatings

TiN/TaN coatings, consisting of alternating nanoscaled TiN and TaN layers, were deposited using magnetron sputtering technology. The structure, hardness, tribological properties and wear mechanism were assessed using X-ray diffraction, microhardness, ball-on-disc testing and a 3-D surface profiler, respectively. The results showed that the TiN/TaN coatings exhibited a good modulation period and a sharp interface between TiN and TaN layers. In mutilayered TiN/TaN coatings, the TiN layers had a cubic structure, but a hexagonal structure emerged among the TaN layers besides the cubic structure as the modulation period went beyond 8.5 nm. The microhardness was affected by the modulation period and a maximum hardness value of 31.5 GPa appeared at a modulation period of 8.5 nm. The coefficient of friction was high and the wear resistance was improved for TiN/TaN coatings compared with a homogenous TiN coating, the wear mechanism exhibited predominantly ploughing, material transfer and local spallation.     

Influence of cobalt doping on the crystalline structure, optical and mechanical properties of ZnO thin films

Uniform and transparent thin films of Zn_1 − xCo_xO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) were fabricated by sol-gel spin coating technique. Co addition up to x = 0.075, led to refinement in structure and improvement in film quality together with average grain size reduction from 17 nm in undoped ZnO to 15 nm with x = 0.05 and 12 nm with x = 0.10 Co additions. For x ≥ 0.035, CoO (cubic) was detected as the secondary phase. Influence of Co addition on the volume fraction of grain boundaries has been interpreted. Increase in Co content in the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10 led to quenching of near-band edge and blue emissions, decrease in band gap energy (E_g) from 3.36 eV to 3.26 eV, decrease in film thickness and refractive index and an increase in extinction coefficient of Zn_1 − xCo_xO thin films. The change in nature of stress from compressive to tensile with lower to higher doping of Co is corroborative with the angular peak shift of (002) plane of ZnO lattice. An overall increase in microhardness of Zn_1 − xCo_xO thin films up to x = 0.05 is attributed to change in microstructure and evolution of secondary phase and as the secondary phase separates out the overall stress is released leading to lowering of hardness after this concentration. Hall-Petch behavior is also studied and found to obey until x = 0.05, however, considerable deviation after this dopant concentration is attributed to the increase in the volume fraction of grain boundaries, which results from the secondary phase separation from this dopant concentration.