Synergistic effect of surface textures and DLC coatings for enhancing friction and wear performances of Si3N4/TiC ceramic

To enhance the tribological properties of Si3N4 based ceramics, surface textures of dimples combined with DLC coatings are fabricated on Si3N4/TiC ceramic surface by nanosecond laser and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The dry friction and wear performances are evaluated by unidirectional sliding friction tests using a rotary ball-on-disk tribometer. Results reveal that the friction and wear properties of Si3N4/TiC ceramics are significantly enhanced by DLC coatings or dimpled textures, and the DLC coatings combined with dimpled textures show the best efficiency in reducing friction, adhesion and wear. This improvement can be explained by the synergistic effect of DLC coatings and surface textures, and the synergistic mechanisms are attributed to the formation of lubrication film and secondary lubrication, debris capture of dimpled textures, increased surface hardness and mechanical interlocking effect, and reduced contact area.

Automated summary

Surface textures of dimples combined with DLC coatings can significantly enhance the tribological properties of Si3N4/TiC ceramics, with the combination showing the best efficiency in reducing friction, adhesion, and wear. This improvement is attributed to the synergistic effect of DLC coatings and surface textures, leading to the formation of lubrication film, debris capture, increased surface hardness, and reduced contact area.