Tribological behavior of HVOF-sprayed Cr3C2-NiCr and TiC-based coatings under high-temperature dry sliding conditions

In the current study, the tribological properties of TiC-based coatings paired with polycrystalline alumina under unlubricated sliding conditions were investigated in order to demonstrate the technological and engineering potential of such coatings. (Ti,Mo)(C,N)-Co coatings were prepared from an agglomerated and sintered spray powder by HVOF spraying using JP-5000 equipment. Cr3C2-NiCr coatings were studied for comparison. Sliding wear tests were performed over the temperature range from 23°C to 800°C with sliding speeds in the range 0.3-3 m/s, a wear distance of 5000 m and a normal force of 10 N. Wear rates of coatings and sintered alumina counterparts were measured separately. Compared with Cr3C2-NiCr coatings, (Ti,Mo)(C,N)-Co coatings showed significantly lower total wear rates, corresponding to those found in the region of mixed/boundary lubrication. With few exceptions, the coefficients of friction were found to be lower for (Ti,Mo)(C,N)-Co coatings than for Cr3C2-NiCr coatings. After tests were performed, the coating microstructures were studied by optical microscopy and SEM. The oxide scales formed on the coating surfaces were investigated by SEM and X-ray diffraction. Comparison of the total wear rates of the couples consisting of sintered alumina and a (Ti,Mo)(C,N)-Co coating with those of other alumina-ceramic and hardmetal-hard metal tribological systems demonstrates the immense potential of TiC-based coatings for sliding wear applications.