Title: Microstructure and tribological properties of PVD coatings deposited on the X40CrMoV5-1 steel substrate

Authors: Krzysztof Lukaszkowicz; Mieczyslaw Pancielejko

Addresses: Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego St. 18A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland. ' Institute of Mechatronics, Nanotechnology and Vacuum Technique, Koszalin University of Technology, Raclawicka St. 15-17, 75-620 Koszalin, Poland

Abstract: This paper presents the investigation results on the microstructure and tribological properties of the AlCrSiN, AlTiCrN and CrN coatings deposited by cathodic arc evaporation method with additional thin low-friction DLC layer on the X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel substrate. As a result of the performed investigations it was found that the coatings reveals a compact structure, without any visible delamination or defects. The morphology of the coating fractures is characterised by a dense structure. Tribological tests were performed in sliding friction conditions using the ball-on-disk method, where a ceramic Al₂O₃ ball was used as the counterpart. The dry friction coefficient and wear rate of coatings k_vc and counterpart k_vb were determined. In sliding dry friction conditions, after the break-in time, the friction coefficient for the investigated elements is set in the range between 0.03-0.06 depending on the coating type. The investigated coatings reveals high wear resistance.

Keywords: PVD coatings; DLC; microstructure; ball-on-disk tribology; steel substrate; hot work tool steel; morphology; coating fracture; dry friction coefficient; wear rate; dry sliding; wear resistance; physical vapour deposition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2012.049919

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2012 Vol.6 No.4, pp.296 - 305

Received: 28 Nov 2011
Accepted: 07 Mar 2012
Published online: 21 Aug 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article