Tribological behavior and self-healing functionality of TiNbCN-Ag coatings in wide temperature range

A. V. Bondarev, Ph V. Kiryukhantsev-Korneev, E. A. Levashov, D. V. Shtansky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Ag- and Nb-doped TiCN coatings with about 2 at.% of Nb and Ag contents varied between 4.0 and 15.1 at.% were designed as promising materials for tribological applications in a wide temperature range. We report on the structure, mechanical, and tribological properties of TiNbCN-Ag coatings fabricated by simultaneous co-sputtering of TiC 0.5  + 10%Nb 2 C and Ag targets in comparison with those of Ag-free coating. The tribological characteristics were evaluated during constant-temperature tests both at room temperature and 300 °C, as well as during dynamic temperature ramp tests in the range of 25–700 °C. The coating structure and elemental composition were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. The coating microstructures and elemental compositions inside wear tracks, as well as the wear products, were examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. We demonstrate that simultaneous alloying with Nb and Ag permits to overcome the main drawbacks of TiCN coatings such as their relatively high values of friction coefficient at elevated temperatures and low oxidation resistance. It is shown that a relatively high amount of Ag (15 at.%) is required to provide enhanced tribological behavior in a wide temperature range of 25–700 °C. In addition, the prepared Ag-doped coatings demonstrated active oxidation protection and self-healing functionality due to the segregation of Ag metallic particles in damage areas such as cracks, pin-holes, or oxidation sites.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)110-120
Number of pages11
JournalApplied Surface Science
Volume396
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Feb 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Nanocomposite TiNbCN-Ag coatings
  • Sputtering
  • Structure
  • Tribological properties

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