Textured VN coatings with Ag3VO4 solid lubricant reservoirs

Silver oxovanadate powders were produced using a low temperature hydrothermal synthesis method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman microscopy revealed the formation of the α-Ag₃VO₄ phase, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the powders underwent phase changes with the increase of temperature (formation of Ag-deficient phases). Ag₃VO₄ precipitates were subsequently investigated as potential high temperature solid lubricant (SL) powders that may be burnished onto textured surfaces. Textured coatings were produced by the sputter deposition of vanadium nitride (VN) thin films, followed by the fabrication of a periodic array of micro-scale dimples with reactive ion etching (RIE). The etched patterns acted as reservoirs to replenish the sliding contact with solid lubricants. The effectiveness of this new design of high temperature tribological coating was tested using a pin-on-desk tribotester. A significant decrease in the wear rate and coefficient of friction (CoF) was achieved at high temperatures (750 °C) and was maintained as a result of the storage of the Ag₃VO₄ phase in the dimples. After wear testing, Raman spectroscopy and XRD were used to identify the phase composition developed as a result of tribotesting. It was found that the burnished powders were more effective in enhancing the tribological properties of textured films compared to burnished/un-burnished monolithic VN coatings.     

An investigation of tribological properties of CN and TiCN coatings

Today the tool industry on a worldwide basis uses hard, wear-resistant, and low-friction coatings produced by different processes such as electrochemical or electroless methods, spray technologies, thermochemical, chemical-vapor deposition (CVD), and physical vapor deposition (PVD). In the current work, two different coatings, nitrocarburized (CN) and titanium carbonitride (TiCN) on M2-grade tool steel, were prepared by commercial diffusion and PVD techniques, respectively. Properties such as thickness, roughness, and hardness were characterized using a variety of techniques, including glow-discharge optical emission spectrometry (GD-OES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A crossed-cylinders wear-testing machine was used to investigate the performances of both coatings under lubrication. The effect of coatings on the performance of lubricants under a range of wear-test conditions was also examined. Degradation of lubricants during tribological testing was explored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This paper was presented at the 2nd International Surface Engineering Congress sponsored by ASM International, on September 15–17, 2003, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and appears on pp. 560–66 of the Proceedings.     

Plasma sprayed cast iron coatings containing solid lubricant graphite and h-BN structure

Water-atomized cast iron powder of Fe-2.17 at.%C-9.93at.%Si-3.75at.%Al were deposited onto an aluminum alloy substrate by atmospheric direct current plasma spraying to improve its tribological properties. Preannealing of the cast iron powder allows the precipitation of considerable amounts of graphite structure in the powder. However, significant reduction in graphitized carbon in cast iron coatings is inevitable after plasma spraying in air atmosphere due to the in-flight burning and dissolution into molten iron droplets. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) powders, which have excellent lubricating properties like graphite, were incorporated into the cast iron powder as a solid lubricant by the sintering process (1300°C) to obtain protective coatings with a low friction coefficient. The performance of each coating was evaluated using a ring-on-disk-type wear tester under a paraffin-based oil condition in an air atmosphere. A conventional cast iron liner, which had a flaky graphite embedded in the pearlitic matrix, was also tested under similar conditions for comparison. Sections of worn surfaces and debris were characterized, and the wear behavior of plasma-sprayed coatings was discussed. The original version of this paper was published in the CD ROM Thermal Spray Connects: Explore Its Surfacing Potential, International Thermal Spray Conference, sponsored by DVS, ASM International, and HW International Institute of Welding, Basel, Switzerland, May 2–4, 2005, DVS-Verlag GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany.     

Machining performance of TiN coatings incorporating indium as a solid lubricant

The machining and wear performance of TiN-coated and patterned carbide inserts incorporating indium as a solid lubricant are reported in this study. Cutting tests were conducted by turning hardened 4340 steel in both lubricated and dry conditions. During turning, periodic flank wear measurements were made. The chips formed during cutting were examined by scanning electron microscopy, as the condition of the chip reflects the conditions obtained during machining. Inserts subject to dry machining were also examined using optical microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the extent of damage on the rake surface as well as the degree of material transfer. The results showed indium to be effective in reducing flank wear during lubricated machining, but little additional benefit of patterning was observed. For dry machining, some degree of improvement was noted in the patterned sample, but the degree of lubricity brought about by the indium coating was not sufficient and the overall flank wear was higher than the lubricated tests. However, the wear and damage on the rake surface along the path of the chip was reduced by the presence of the In-containing microreservoirs. An additional test was conducted using an instrument that simulates temperature effects during machining, and it was found that the lubricity achieved by In coatings is lost above 450 °C. These results suggest that the use of indium is limited to below this temperature, and above this temperature transforms to a less lubricious indium oxide.     

Optimum Me-DLC coatings and hard coatings for tribological performance

In this study, hard coatings (TiN, TiCN, CrN, and CrCN) and Me-DLC coatings (Ti _x%-C:H and Cr _x%-C:H) were deposited on tungsten carbide (WC) substrate by multiarc physical vapor deposition (MAPVD) and unbalanced magnetron (UBM) sputtering, respectively. Counterbodies of the AISI 1045 steel cylinder and the AA7075T651 aluminum cylinder were used in the cylinder-on-disk, line-contact wear mode under dry condition; a counterbody of the AISI 52100 steel ball was used in the ball-on-disk, point-contact wear mode, under both dry and lubricated conditions. All wear tests were conducted with a reciprocating machine. After the tests, the most suitable coating for various counterbodies and test environments was selected. For the coating/1045 steel cylinder, the Ti_10%-C:H coating possesses excellent tribological characteristics. For the coating/7075T651 aluminum cylinder, hard coatings display excellent wear resistance. For the coating/steel ball, CrCN and CrN coatings display very little wear under both dry and lubricated conditions. On TiN and TiCN coatings, special wear mechanisms of material transfer, adhesion wear, and fatigue fracture occurred during initial tests under kerosene lubrication.     

Fabrication and tribological properties of titanium nitride coatings incorporating solid lubricant microreservoirs

The concept of incorporating microscopic reservoirs within a hard coating for the purpose of solid lubricant storage and supply during wear of interacting surfaces has been investigated in this study. A novel method was devised using ceramic beads (1.5-10 μm diameter) as placeholders during the deposition of a TiN coating by reactive sputter deposition. A pin-on-disk wear test was used to test these coatings using graphite and sputter-deposited carbon as the solid lubricant, and an alumina counterface. When tested without any lubricant, the presence of the microreservoirs in the TiN coating appeared to degrade the mechanical integrity of the coating leading to rapid failure. With the graphite lubricant present, the frictional behavior ranged from levels similar to the TiN coating alone, to that of graphite alone. Tests of the TiN coating made using 10 μm beads running against an aluminum counterface showed substantial improvement when the microreservoirs were present. Optical microscopy examination of the wear tracks showed the microreservoirs were generally successful at trapping the graphite lubricant during wear. With a sufficient density and appropriate distribution of the microreservoirs significant improvements in tribological performance can be realized.     

金属基复合材料涂层摩擦学的研究进展

对金属基复合材料涂层的减摩抗磨性能和制动摩擦性能、涂层的摩擦磨损机理和影响涂层摩擦磨损性能若干因素的研究现状进行了综述，并指出有关涂层材料与基体的匹配规律、不同基材上涂层制备工艺的优化、多组元涂层及多层涂层的设计和制备工艺、纳米尺度涂层技术、涂层内应力的控制、涂层减摩抗摩机理以及制动摩擦机理等方面是今后在金属基复合材料涂层摩擦学方面值得进一步研究的问题。     

Mechanical and tribological properties of sputter deposited nanostructured Cr-WS2 solid lubricant coatings

Solid lubricant coatings of WS₂ and Cr-WS₂ (15-50 at.% Cr) prepared using an unbalanced magnetron sputtering system were evaluated for their mechanical and tribological properties. Nanoindentation results indicated that addition of Cr helped in improving the mechanical properties and the elastic recovery ability of Cr-WS₂ coatings. The adhesive strengths of Cr-WS₂ coatings were evaluated using a nanoscratch tester and from the nanoscratch profiles, critical load values and optical images, it was evident that the adhesion of Cr-WS₂ coatings increased with an increase in the Cr content. Further analysis of the nanoscratch data indicated that WS₂ coatings exhibited large amount of plastic deformation compared to Cr-WS₂ coatings which showed a combination of elastic-plastic deformation. However, micro-tribometer measurements at a load of 2 N showed that the tribological properties of Cr-WS₂ coatings deteriorated with an increase in the Cr content. For example, Cr-WS₂ coatings prepared at Cr content ≥ 33 at.% failed after a sliding distance of 1 m. On the other hand, WS₂ and Cr-WS₂ coatings prepared at low Cr contents (15-23 at.% Cr) exhibited a stable friction coefficient (50-60% relative humidity) in the range of 0.10-0.13 for a sliding distance of 14 m. Micro-Raman spectroscopy data of the worn films taken after a sliding distance of 14 m indicated the presence of WS₂ transfer films for WS₂ and Cr-WS₂ coatings prepared at low Cr contents. For Cr-WS₂ coatings with Cr content ≥ 33 at.%, the worn films consisted predominantly of WO₃. After an extended sliding distance of 50 m, Cr-WS₂ coatings (15-23 at.% Cr) outperformed WS₂ coating which failed after 20 m. Further, the coatings prepared at low Cr contents did not show any failure even after a sliding distance of 200 m. At a higher load of 7 N, Cr-WS₂ coating with 15 at.% Cr exhibited the best performance with a friction coefficient of 0.07 up to a sliding distance of 72 m. These results indicate that the amount of Cr in the WS₂ matrix needs to be controlled judiciously to obtain improved mechanical and tribological properties in Cr-WS₂ solid lubricant coatings.     

Thermally sprayed wear resistant coatings with nanostructured hard phases

The aim of this investigation was the development of a new quality of thermally sprayed coatings with high resistance against wear and corrosion and to evaluate the application potential of nano-sized hard phases in thermally sprayed layers. The newly developed material consists of a highly corrosion-resistant matrix of stainless steel (even without nickel) combined with nano-structured hard phases of vanadium nitrides (VN). On the other hand, matrices consisting of cobalt-chromium (CoCr) with submicron hard phases of tungstencarbides (WC) were investigated with respect to microstructure and wear resistance compared with conventional ones.     

Structure, morphology and chemical composition of sputter deposited nanostructured Cr-WS2 solid lubricant coatings

WS₂ and Cr-WS₂ nanocomposite coatings were deposited at different Cr contents (approximately 15-50 at.%) on silicon and mild steel substrates using an unbalanced magnetron sputtering system. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to study the structure of Cr-WS₂ coatings and the bonding structure of the coatings was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterization of different phases present in Cr-WS₂ coatings was carried out using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The XPS and Raman data indicated the formation of a thin layer of WO₃ on the surface of Cr-WS₂ coatings and the intensity of the oxide phase decreased with an increase in the Cr content, which was also confirmed using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis results. The surface morphologies of WS₂ and Cr-WS₂ coatings were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy. It has been demonstrated that incorporation of Cr in WS₂ strongly influences the structure and morphology of Cr-WS₂ coatings. The XRD and FESEM results suggested that increase in the Cr content of Cr-WS₂ coatings resulted in a structural transition from a mixture of nanocrystalline and amorphous phases to a complete amorphous phase. The cross-sectional FESEM data of WS₂ coating showed a porous and columnar microstructure. For the Cr-WS₂ coatings, a mixture of columnar and featureless microstructure was observed at low Cr contents (≤ 23 at.%), whereas, a dense and featureless microstructure was observed at high Cr contents. Detailed cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of Cr-WS₂ coatings prepared at Cr content ≤ 23 at.% indicated the presence of both nanocrystalline (near the interface) and amorphous phases (near the surface). Furthermore, high-resolution TEM data obtained from the nanocrystalline region showed inclusion of traces of amorphous phase in the nanocrystalline WS₂ phase. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements indicated that the corrosion resistance of Cr-WS₂ coatings was superior to that of the uncoated mild steel substrate and the corrosion rate decreased with an increase in the Cr content.     

Relationships between the fretting wear behavior and the ball cratering resistance of solid lubricant coatings

Employing solid lubricant coatings to reduce friction is one of the most effective methods to mitigate fretting damage. However, facing numerous available coatings, users often feel confounded, and the selection of the optimum coating for a specific application is still a tough task. Some simple methods are expected to help the selection. Ball cratering as a promising technique is becoming popular in the developing process of new coatings to assess their abrasion resistance. The objective of this paper is to identify the relationships between the fretting behavior and the ball cratering resistance of coatings, and attempt to use ball cratering to pre-select coatings for fretting conditions in order to cut down the number of candidate coatings and shorten the fretting tests. In this study, several bonded solid lubricant coatings, principally based on PTFE or MoS₂, were investigated by ball cratering and fretting tests. The results showed that the coatings in ball cratering presented similar tribological performance as in fretting tests in terms of endurance and wear resistance, i.e., the coatings with good ball cratering resistance also exhibited long lifetime in fretting tests, so ball cratering can be considered as a simple test to pre-select solid lubricant coatings for fretting applications.     

The influence of solid lubricant particle size on machining parameters in turning

Turning is one of the most fundamental and indispensable processes of metal removal in industry. The heat generated in the cutting zone during turning is critical in deciding the workpiece quality and tool life. Though cutting fluids are widely employed to carry away the heat in metal cutting, their usage poses threat to ecology and the health of workers. Hence, there arises a need to identify eco-friendly and user-friendly alternatives to conventional cutting fluids. Modern tribology has facilitated the use of solid lubricants. The present work features a specific study of the application of solid lubricant in turning. The process performance is judged in terms of cutting force, tool temperature, tool wear and the surface finish of workpiece, keeping the cutting conditions constant. The results obtained from the experiment show the effectiveness of the use of the solid lubricant as a viable alternative to dry and wet machining. The unique utility of solid lubricant is highlighted.     

Study of the influence of phase composition and iron content on the formability characteristics of zinc-iron electroplated sheet steel

This study focuses on the relationship between coating composition and deformation and friction behavior of zinc-iron electroplated sheet steel. The influence of phase composition and microhardness of the deposits and the electrodeposition process parameters on the mechanical properties of the material were determined. The influence of coating composition on the friction and galling behavior was also investigated. Both V-bend test and cup test were used to evaluate the influence of the iron content on the powdering and flaking behavior of the deposits. Finally, the adhesion of the coating to the substrate was studied by lap shear tests. Although the soft η phase appears to be the main component in zinc-iron coatings with less than 16 wt% Fe, Γ₁ particles were observed even at low iron contents. As the iron content in the coating increases, the Γ₁ fraction increases and the coating becomes harder and more brittle. Above 16 wt% Fe the deposits start to show substantial powdering and flaking during deformation. At iron contents above 30 wt%, bending of the coated product results in total coating delamination. At low iron contents, zinc-iron electroplated sheet steel exhibits a superior deformation behavior, and both cup tests and flat die tests proved the suitability of the coating for deep drawing.     

Chemical pretreatments at surface of WC-6% Co for diamond coatings

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Sliding wear characteristics of solid lubricant coating on titanium alloy surface modified by laser texturing and ternary hard coatings

Titanium alloys are poor in wear resistance and it is not suitable under sliding conditions even with lubrication because of its severe adhesive wear tendency. The surface modifications through texturing and surface coating were used to enhance the surface properties of the titanium alloy substrate. Hard and wear resistant coatings such as TiAlN and AlCrN were applied over textured titanium alloy surfaces with chromium as interlayer. To improve the friction and wear resisting performance of hard coatings further, solid lubricant, molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), was deposited on dimples made over hard coatings. Unidirectional sliding wear tests were performed with pin on disc contact geometry, to evaluate the tribological performance of coated substrates. The tests were performed under three different normal loads for a period of 40 min at sliding velocity of 2 m/s. The tribological behaviours of multi-layer coatings such as coating structure, friction coefficient and specific wear rate were investigated and analyzed. The lower friction coefficient of approximately 0.1 was found at the early sliding stage, which reduces the material transfer and increases the wear life. Although, the friction coefficient increased to high values after MoS₂ coating was partially removed, substrate was still protected against wear by underlying hard composite layer.     

Erosion-resistance of plasma sprayed coatings

Cr₃C₂/NiCr, ZrO₂/NiCr, WTiC₂/NiCr, and X40 were plasma sprayed on the substrate 1Cr18Ni9Ti in order to solve the erosion wear at high temperature encountered in the oil-refining industry. A series of properties of the coatings, including their microstructure, hardness, and erosion-behavior, have been tested. The test results show that the properties of the coatings have a significant effect on their erosionresistant performance. Good erosion-resistant materials need to be hard and tough. Both Cr₃C₂/NiCr and X40 have good erosion resistance at elevated temperature.     

Alternative tribological coatings to electrodeposited hard chromium: a critical review

ABSTRACT

The traditional importance of hard chromium electroplating in surface engineering is recognised and the key features of this well-established technology are summarised. Despite the high hardness, corrosion protection and wear resistance of chromium electrodeposits, a number of alternative coating compositions and application techniques have been developed for specific applications in tribology. Environmental challenges associated with hard chromium electroplating are highlighted and the need to develop and evaluate alternative coatings is stressed. Key examples of the alternative coatings are described, including their method of application, microstructure and tribological performance in controlled service environments. Research needs requiring rapid development are highlighted. A summary is given of the most competitive coatings and those having the potential to match the performance of hard chromium in selected applications are identified.     

Depth-penetrating temperature measurements of thermal barrier coatings incorporating thermographic phosphors

Thermographic phosphors have been previously demonstrated to provide effective non-contact, emissivity-independent surface temperature measurements. Due to the translucent nature of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), thermographic-phosphor-based temperature measurements can be extended beyond the surface to provide depth-selective temperature measurements by incorporating the thermographic phosphor layer at the depth where the temperature measurement is desired. In this paper, thermographic phosphor (Y₂O₃:Eu) fluorescence decay time measurements are demonstrated to provide through-the-coating-thickness temperature readings up to 1100 °C with the phosphor layer residing beneath a 100-μm-thick TBC (plasmasprayed 8 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia). With an appropriately chosen excitation wavelength and detection configuration, it is shown that sufficient phosphor emission is generated to provide effective temperature measurements, despite the attenuation of both the excitation and emission intensities by the overlying TBC. This depth-penetrating temperature measurement capability should prove particularly useful for TBC diagnostics where a large thermal gradient is typically present across the TBC thickness. The fluorescence decay from the Y₂O₃:Eu layer exhibited both an initial short-term exponential rise and a longer-term exponential decay. The rise time constant was demonstrated to provide better temperature indication below 500 °C while the decay time constant was a better indicator at higher temperatures.     

Erosion mechanisms of thermally sprayed coatings with multiple phases

Thermally sprayed coatings are frequently subjected to impacts by small solid particles which induce surface erosion. To identify the physical mechanisms associated with such a material removal process, experimental tests as well as detailed computational analyses of porous coatings containing multiple phases are performed. In the experiments, a gas jet erosion test is conducted to measure material loss of coatings with different mixtures of brittle and ductile phases. The results show higher erosion resistances with small volume fractions of metal phase added to predominantly brittle coatings. Following this outcome, the study is directed toward elucidating the physical mechanisms behind the increased erosion resistance. Here, solid particle impacts are simulated with dynamic finite element analyses where material removals and coating's energy absorption behaviors are closely monitored. Furthermore, parametric study is carried out to quantify effects of cracking resistances and plastic dissipation on the erosion rate. The results reveal synergistic effects of fracture energy and plastic deformation. The combined mechanisms allow greater energy absorptions and enhanced erosion resistance in coatings with mixture of ductile phase. These assessments should offer insights into tailoring coatings with optimized composition of ductile phase to increase their performances. The results are also valuable in understanding foreign object damage (FOD) of coatings.     

Mechanisms of self-lubrication in patterned TiN coatings containing solid lubricant microreservoirs

The tribological mechanisms of friction and lubrication have been investigated in TiN coatings patterned to contain microscopic reservoirs for solid lubricant entrapment. Photo-lithography was used to fabricate three sets of samples on silicon wafers, varying the reservoir size (4 and 9 μm) and spacing (11 and 25 μm), which resulted in samples with a nominal reservoir area of either 2 or 10%. Pin-on-disk tests were run using lubricants of graphite and indium and counterfaces of alumina and steel (440C). In most cases, the samples with the 9 μm holes spaced 25 μm apart gave the lowest friction coefficients and longest wear life. Analysis of the wear tracks by SEM/EDS methods showed carbon to be present in the holes of the graphite/steel counterface samples, but TiO₂ was found in the holes of the graphite/alumina counterface samples. For the indium/steel counterface samples indium was detected within the microreservoirs, but iron was also found, transferred from the ball. These experiments highlight a variety of tribological mechanisms that can operate in microreservoir-patterned coatings.