Characterization of laboratory and industrial CrN/CrCN/diamond-like carbon coatings

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Silva, FJG (Author) Other; Martinho, RP (Author) Other; Baptista, APM (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Thin Solid Films

Vol. 550

Pages: 278-284

ISSN: 0040-6090

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 1 Citation

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Materials engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-J0M

DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2013.11.042

Abstract (EN): This work reports on laboratorial and experimental wear behaviour studies about a multi-layered film deposited by PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The film consists of three different layers: CrN in the bottom, CrCN as intermediate layer and DLC (diamond-like carbon) on the top. Film characterization was done using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Scratch-tests, nanoindentation analysis and ball-cratering wear tests were used in order to measure the adhesion critical load, hardness and wear coefficient, respectively. Experimental tests were developed letting one to realise the suitability of this film for mould cavities used on injection moulding machines that produce automotive parts in polypropylene reinforced with 30% (wt.) glass fibres, because this composite material performs severe abrasion on injection moulding which brings important challenges to surface wear resistance. Experimental tests revealed that, after 135,000 injection cycles, multi-layer coating improved significantly the performance previously revealed by uncoated samples. The good results achieved by this film can be partially assigned to DLC top layer due to its low friction coefficient. This paper discusses these results, comparing them with some other PVD coatings already tested in the same conditions. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7