Low friction and wear resistant coatings : microstructure and mechanical properties

Vapour-deposited coatings are often utilised to solve intricate materials problems which are unachievable by bulk materials. The success of surface coatings relies mainly on the possibility of tailoring a material with specific properties. The substrate material can be chosen in order to provide strength and toughness while the other demands, such as friction and wear control are met by the coating. WC/ C multilayer is emerging as an interesting coating for tribological applications where a thin high-wear-resistance solid film with low static and dynamic friction against most metals is required. The application of hard TiN coatings to metal cutting tools has been hailed as one of the most significant technological advances in the development of modern tools. Even though TiN coatings have already a dominant position, still considerable efforts are invested in the research and development of multilayer coatings to enhance further the wear resistance of coated co! mponents. By alternately depositing two (or more) chemically and/or mechanically different materials, the stress concentration and the conditions for crack propagation can be changed. Zie: Summary.