Tribo-mechanical properties of reactive magnetron sputtered transition metal carbide coatings. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, D. Dinesh; Kumar, N.; Kalaiselvam, S.; Radhika, R.; Maximus Rabel, Arul; Jayavel, R.
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 114(2017)
• Page Start: 234
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: TMC coatings -- Microstructure -- a-C matrix -- Friction and wear behavior; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2017.04.031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: Hard and wear resistant coatings are useful to enhance the functional properties and improve the lifetime of mechanical components. This study proposes a relationship between microstructure and tribo-mechanical properties of TiC, CrC, ZrC and WC transition metal carbide coatings. In these coatings, an amorphous carbon (a-C) matrix phase coexists with a crystalline TMC phase. Superior wear resistance of ZrC coatings followed by the TiC coating was observed and this was explained by improved crystallinity and a-C phase present in coatings. Wear mechanisms were proposed by chemical analysis of wear tracks using micro Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Highlights: Modification of microstructure of transition metal carbide coatings using methane flow rate. Discussion on high crystalline quality of metal-carbide and amorphous carbon phase. Correlation of tribomechanical properties with crystalline and amorphous carbon phase. Investigation of tribolayer for the understanding of wear mechanism.