Effect of coatings on rolling contact fatigue and tribological parameters of rolling/sliding contacts under dry/lubricated conditions: a review

The application of coating gets exceptional importance since it improves the tribological properties of the contacting surfaces. Different input parameters like coating deposition processes, coating material properties and its thickness, use of lubricant and its additives, surface roughness and temperature affect the tribological properties and the rolling contact fatigue (RCF) life of coated rolling and sliding contact elements. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review for the clear understanding of the effect of these input parameters on the RCF life and tribological performance of coated rolling and sliding contact elements. It has been observed that coating deposition process must be chosen based on technical and economic aspects. Among the different techniques, thermal spraying technique is cost effective, and it also provides better bonding strength, which improves the RCF life in comparison with other techniques. Similarly, the effect of other input parameters has been reviewed and possible combination of the input parameters that help improve the performance of coated contacting elements summarized. Furthermore, the current status of research and the scope of future work to be carried out, in this area, have been outlined.