Formation mechanisms of low-friction tribo-layers on arc-evaporated TiC1-xNx hard coatings

• Published in: Wear Vol. 265; no. 3-4; pp. 525 - 532
• Main Authors: REBELO DE FIGUEIREDO, M, NEIDHARDT, J, KAINDL, R, REITER, A, TESSADRI, R, MITTERER, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier Science 31.07.2008; Amsterdam; New York, NY
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Friction, wear, lubrication; Machine components; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Wear test; Ambient-dependent wear mechanisms; High temperature; Experimental study; Friction material; Tribological coatings; Titanium carbonitride; Low-friction mechanisms; Friction; Wear rate; Wear; TiCN coatings; Ball-on-disc sliding; Friction coefficient; Raman micro-spectroscopy; Raman spectrometry; Ball on disk testing; Hard coating; Tribology
• ISSN: 0043-1648; 1873-2577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2007.11.020

A detailed correlation of the tribological performance of arc-evaporated TiC1-xNx coatings with testing temperature, atmosphere as well as variation in load and sliding velocity is presented in this paper. The low-friction behavior in combination with its mechanical integrity are the reasons for the extensive industrial application of TiC1-xNx over the last decades. Still the tribo-mechanisms behind this performance are not yet completely understood. The present study adds further understanding, as the low-friction behavior degrades at elevated temperatures and dry or inert environments, which is related to the different constitution of the tribo-layer formed as investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Surprisingly, the wear rate of the coatings does not correlate with the coefficient of friction indicating the presence of different wear regimes.