Pin-on-Disc Study of Tribological Performance of PVD Coatings

This paper deals with the evaluation of tribological properties of PVD coatings which are mainly used as wear resistance coatings. The aim of the work was to compare the tribological behaviour of TiCrN and TiAlCrN coatings deposited on the steel substrate using the technology of reactive cathode vapour deposition. The dry sliding wear of coatings has been investigated against tungsten carbide (WC) counterpart. The course of the friction coefficient indicated better sliding properties TiAlCrN with value 0.605 compared to TiCrN with friction coefficient value 0.877. The depth of worn-out surface amounted to about 2/3 of the worn-out surface of TiCrN coating. The surface of the WC ball showed higher roughening after tribo test of TiCrN.

Optimization of PVD process parameter for coating AZ91D magnesium alloy by Taguchi grey approach

This study was an attempt made to explore the possibility of increasing the surface properties of the AZ91D magnesium alloy by applying ZrO_(2)coating using Physical Vapour Deposition(PVD-RF)sputtering process.In order to improve the quality of the coating,the PVD process parameter with multiple performance characteristics was optimized by using the Taguchi grey approach.L 18 orthogonal array was selected for conducting the experiments.The proposed Taguchi grey method was find out the optimal process parameter for multiple performance characteristics.The optimal combination was attained at chamber pressure of 0.003 bar,argon gas in millibar and power input of 200 W.The validation experiment result shows an improvement in the micro hardness and surface finish.Also,the performance characterizations such as SEM,EDX,XRD,coating thickness,surface roughness and micro hardness were measured at optimal process parameter.

Weakening effect of plastic yielding inception in thin hard coating systems

Hard coatings have been widely applied to enhance tribological performance of mechanical components.However,it was predicted that thin hard coatings may have a weakening effect which could reduce the coating/substrate system’s resistance to plastic yielding compared with the uncoated substrate material.In this paper,analytical simulation is utilized to investigate the origin of weakening effect.The functions of material mechanical properties and coating thickness on the weakening effect are theoretically investigated.Partial-unloading spherical nanoindentation tests are performed on tungsten coated single crystalline silicon and copper to acquire the stress-strain curves and compared with the uncoated cases.The experimental results are in consistence with the analytical solutions,demonstrating the presence of weakening effect.

High-Speed Machining of Malleable Cast Iron by Various Cutting Tools Coated by Physical Vapor Deposition

The coating material of a tool directly affects the efficiency and cost of machining malleable cast iron.However,the machining adaptability of various coating materials to malleable cast iron has been insufficiently researched.In this paper,turning tests were conducted on cemented carbide tools with different coatings(a thick TiN/TiAlN coating,a thin TiN/TiAlN coating,and a nanocomposite(nc)TiAlSiN coating).All coatings were applied by physical vapor deposition.In a comparative study of chip morphology,cutting force,cutting temperature,specific cutting energy,tool wear,and surface roughness,this study analyzed the cutting characteristics of the tools coated with various materials,and established the relationship between the cutting parameters and machining objectives.The results showed that in malleable cast iron machining,the coating material significantly affects the cutting performance of the tool.Among the three tools,the nc-TiAlSiN-coated carbide tool achieved the minimum cutting force,the lowest cutting temperature,least tool wear,longest tool life,and best surface quality.Moreover,in comparisons between cemented-carbide and compacted-graphite cast iron machined under the same conditions,the wear mechanism of the coated tools was found to depend on the cast iron being machined.Therefore,the performance requirements of a tool depend on multiple factors,and selecting an appropriately coated tool for a particular cast iron material is essential.

High temperature tribological behaviour of PVD coated tool steel and aluminium under dry and lubricated conditions

Aluminium alloys are commonly used as lightweight materials in the automotive industry.This non-ferrous family of metallic alloys offers a high versatility of properties and designs.To reduce weight and improve safety,high strength-to-weight ratio alloys(e.g.6XXX and 7XXX),are increasingly implemented in vehicles.However,these alloys exhibit low formability and experience considerable springback during cold forming,and are therefore hot formed.During forming,severe adhesion(i.e.galling)of aluminium onto the die surface takes place.This phenomenon has a detrimental effect on the surface properties,geometrical tolerances of the formed parts and maintenance of the dies.The effect of surface engineering as well as lubricant chemistry on galling has not been sufficiently investigated.Diamond-like carbon(DLC)and CrN physical vapour deposition(PVD)coated steel have been studied to reduce aluminium transfer.However,the interaction between lubricants and PVD coatings during hot forming of aluminium alloys is not yet fully understood.The present study thus aims to characterise the high temperature tribological behaviour of selected PVD coatings and lubricants during sliding against aluminium alloy.The objectives are to first select promising lubricant-coating combinations and then to study their tribological response in a high-temperature reciprocating friction and wear tester.Dry and lubricated tests were carried out at 300℃ using a commercial polymer lubricant.Tests using DLC,CrN,CrTiN,and CrAIN coated tool steel were compared to uncoated tool steel reference tests.The initial and worn test specimen surfaces were analysed with a 3-dimensional(3D)optical profiler,scanning electron microscope(SEM)and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope(EDS)as to understand the wear mechanisms.The results showed formation of tribolayers in the contact zone,reducing both friction and wear.The stability of these layers highly depends on both the coatings'roughness and chemical affinity towards aluminium.The DLC and CrN coatings combined with the polymer lubricant were the most effective in reducing aluminium transfer.