Influence of Surface Morphology on the Tribological Behavior of Diamond-Like Carbon Coating

Abstract:

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were prepared in-situ on top of hard coatings, namely, prior to the DLC deposition, CrN, TiCN and nanocomposite nACo (nc-AlTiN/(a-Si3N4) layers were deposited on WC-Co substrates. The Ra roughness of WC-Co substrates was 0.05 and 0.2 µm. Surface morphology of DLC coatings was investigated by means of profilometry and geometrical parameters Ra, Rsk, Rku and Rz were evaluated. Fretting tests were conducted with 3 mm in diameter alumina balls under 1 and 2 N load, at slip distance of 2 mm and frequency of 2 Hz. Statistical analysis shows significant correlation between Ra and Rz parameters corresponding to initial DLC surface and wear scar surfaces produced by fretting tests after 2400 and 4800 cycles, respectively. This finding indicates a relationship between friction (wear) and Ra and Rz parameters. Positive correlation between the coefficient of friction (COF) and kurtosis Rku indicates that surface flatness is an important factor for optimal friction of an alumina ball against DLC coating.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 527)
• Pages: 83-91
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.527.83
• Online since: November 2012
• Authors: Vitali Podgursky, Andrei Bogatov, Martin Freund, Priit Kulu
• Keywords: Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC), Friction, Surface Morphology

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