W-Ti-N thin film tribological behaviour for piston skirt properties improvement

Tungsten-Titanium-Nitrogen (W-Ti-N) thin film, 1.1 mu m in thickness, was deposited on Aluminium-Silicon (Al-Si) and stainless steel substrates using the Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) sputtering system in order to study a new way to improve the tribological properties on engines piston skirts. Tribological test results showed very interesting friction coefficient and wear rates compared to uncoated piston skirt samples. The average value of the friction coefficient was approximately six times lower than that of the uncoated piston skirt samples. Wear rate was considerably lower. In addition W-Ti-N showed interesting corrosion behaviour.

Automated summary

Depositing a W-Ti-N thin film on Al-Si and stainless steel substrates using PVD sputtering system is a promising way to enhance the tribological properties of engine piston skirts, leading to significantly lower friction coefficient and wear rates compared to uncoated samples, as well as showing interesting corrosion behavior.