Title: Enhancing the tribological and surface performance of TiN/AlCrN multilayer coatings on SS316L under the lubricating environment

Authors: R. Gopi; I. Saravanan; A. Devaraju; M. Thirukumaran

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Adhi College of Engineering and Technology, Kanchipuram, 631 605, Tamil Nadu, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Adhi College of Engineering and Technology, Kanchipuram, 631 605, Tamil Nadu, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Adhi College of Engineering and Technology, Kanchipuram, 631 605, Tamil Nadu, India ' Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, PSN College of Engineering and Technology, Melathediyoor, 627 152, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical and tribological performance of SS316L stainless steel through the deposition of TiN/AlCrN multilayer coatings using cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (CAPVD). Disc samples were evaluated under dry and wet sliding conditions to assess coating behaviour in clinically and industrially relevant environments. The multilayer architecture significantly increased the surface hardness to 1250 VHN, representing a 5% improvement over uncoated SS316L. Quantitative tribological testing revealed that the coefficient of friction (COF) increased with applied load in both environments; however, wet conditions consistently produced lower COF values due to the formation of a boundary lubricating film. Wear analysis via optical profilometry and SEM confirmed severe abrasive and delamination-driven wear under dry conditions, while wet environments limited surface damage and preserved coating integrity. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of TiN/AlCrN multilayers in improving wear resistance and frictional stability of SS316L, highlighting their potential for biomedical and engineering applications requiring enhanced durability under lubricated conditions.

Keywords: TiN/AlCrN multilayer coatings; SS316L; cathodic arc PVD; tribological performance; coefficient of friction; COF; wear resistance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2026.154833

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2026 Vol.20 No.2, pp.189 - 207

Received: 05 Jul 2025
Accepted: 11 Dec 2025
Published online: 15 Jul 2026 *

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