Effect of Zr Target Current on the Mechanical and Tribological Performance of MoS2–Zr Composite Lubricating Coatings

Abstract

To improve the tribological properties of pure MoS2 coating, the MoS2–Zr composite lubricating coatings were prepared on the WC/TiC/Co carbide surface utilizing radio frequency magnetron sputtering method combining with multiple arc ion plating technology. The effects of different Zr target currents on the surface morphologies, roughness, Zr content, adhesive force, thickness, microhardness and tribological behaviors of the composite coatings were systematically investigated. Results showed that the properties of MoS2 coating can be remarkably enhanced through co-deposition of a certain amount of Zr. As the Zr target current increased, the Zr content, surface roughness, thickness, and micro-hardness gradually increased, while the adhesive force of coatings increased first and then decreased. The friction behaviors and wear modes of the composite coatings both varied obviously with the increase of Zr current. The mechanism was mainly attributed to the different components and mechanical properties of the coatings caused by various Zr current.

Performance of MoS2/Zr Composite Coatings at Different Deposition Temperatures

“…The test results also revealed that the addition of metals (Ti, Cr, Zr, etc.) into the MoS 2 coating, to prepare the MoS 2 /metal coatings, can result in the amorphous microstructure of MoS 2 [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 26 , 30 ].…”

“…According to previous results, MoS 2 /Zr coatings are beneficial to improve the friction and wear properties of cemented carbide in friction tests [ 26 , 27 ] and dry cutting tests [ 28 , 29 ]. In addition, the influences of experimental conditions, such as applied force and speed, on the tribological properties have also been comprehensively researched [ 26 , 29 , 30 ]. However, the influence of deposition temperature on the performance of MoS 2 /Zr coatings and the mechanisms underlying this have not been reported in detail.…”

A review on tailoring the corrosion and oxidation properties of MoS2-based coatings

“…Co-sputtering metals, non-metals, and ceramics with MoS 2 results in doped/multilayer solid lubricant lms with enhanced mechanical, lubrication, and wear resistance properties. [52][53][54][55][56] CVD is a promising method for synthesizing large area, highquality MoS 2 with layer thickness ranging from a monolayer to a few micrometers. CVD entails the vapor phase reactions of MoS 2 precursors (MoO 3 , MoCl 5 , (NH 4 ) 2 MoS 4 , S powder, etc.…”

“…Co-sputtering metals, non-metals, and ceramics with MoS 2 results in doped/multilayer solid lubricant films with enhanced mechanical, lubrication, and wear resistance properties. 52–56…”

Robustness of Surface Roughness against Low Number of Picture Elements and Its Benefit for Scaling Analysis

“…Zhang et al [8] and Hosseinabadi et al [9] reported a series of analyses on the rough surface of multiscale structures by calculating their fractal dimensions. Lawrence et al [10] reported the fractal characterisation of automotive cylinder linear surfaces, and some researchers [11][12][13] found that the fractal characteristics of various surface morphologies could affect anisotropy and wear performance. Jing et al [14] found that the functional properties of Ga-doped ZnO thin films could be evaluated by fractal methods.…”