Author(s)

Y. T. Pei, D. Galvan & J. Th. M. De Hosson

Abstract

Advanced TiC/a-C:H nanocomposite coatings have been produced via reactive deposition in a closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering system (Hauzer HTC-1000). This work concentrates on a detailed mechanical and tribological characterization of the TiC/a-C:H nanocomposite coatings, in particular focusing on the dynamic friction and solid lubrication effects of the coatings in terms of third-body processes between the sliding contact surfaces. The tribological behavior of the nanocomposite coatings has been scrutinized by means of ball-on-disc tribo-tests, in conjunction with detailed examinations of the mechanical properties. In-situ monitoring of the wear depth with the resolution of submicrometer clearly reveals the correlation between the dynamic friction and the formation of transfer films on the ball surface. The influence of the volume fraction and grain size of TiC nanocrystallites on the coating properties has been examined. The coefficient of friction of dry sliding against 100Cr6 steel ball and the wear rate of the coatings reach as low as 0.013 and 10-18 m³/(N m lap), respectively. Keywords: DLC composite coatings, nanostructure, super-low frication, solid lubrication, wear resistance. 1 Introduction The surface of a component is usually the most important engineering factor. It is often the surface of a work-piece that is subjected to wear and corrosion while it is in use. Since Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) studied an incredible manifold of tribological subtopics such as friction, wear, bearing materials and lubrication

Keywords

DLC composite coatings, nanostructure, super-low frication, solid lubrication, wear resistance.