The Tribological Behavior of TiN/TiC CVD Coatings under Dry Sliding Conditions against Zirconia and Steel Counterparts

During this research work, the wear and friction properties of TiN/TiC coatings produced with different manufacturing parameters were investigated against steel and zirconium counterparts. The coatings, which were deposited on WC-Co substrate, were characterized based on their microstructure, phase composition, and microhardness. The tribological behavior of the coatings was examined in accordance with ASTM G99 and ASTM G133 standards using pin-on-disc tests with steel and zirconium counterfaces, while the adhesion of the coatings was investigated with a modified scratch test. According to the results obtained from the experiments, the use of zirconium counterpart is advantageous even for coatings produced with different microhardness and layer thickness using the CVD method. The results show that the change in the friction coefficient can be well traced with properly chosen parameters, thereby determining the wear resistance of the coating.

Automated summary

This research work investigated the wear and friction properties of TiN/TiC coatings produced with different manufacturing parameters against steel and zirconium counterparts. The coatings on WC-Co substrate were characterized for their microstructure, phase composition, and microhardness. The coatings' tribological behavior was examined using pin-on-disc tests with steel and zirconium counterfaces, while adhesion was investigated with a modified scratch test. The results showed the advantage of using zirconium counterpart even for coatings with different microhardness and layer thickness produced by the CVD method. The changes in friction coefficient determined the wear resistance of the coating.