W-Ti-N thin film tribological behaviour for piston skirt properties improvement

Abstract

Tungsten-Titanium-Nitrogen (W-Ti-N) thin film, 1.1 μm in thickness, was deposited on Aluminium-Silicon (Al-Si) and stainless steel substrates using the Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) sputtering system in order to study a new way to improve the tribological properties on engines piston skirts. Tribological test results showed very interesting friction coefficient and wear rates compared to uncoated piston skirt samples. The average value of the friction coefficient was approximately six times lower than that of the uncoated piston skirt samples. Wear rate was considerably lower. In addition W-Ti-N showed interesting corrosion behaviour.