Friction and Wear Behaviors of TiN Coatings under Dry and Vacuum Conditions

Abstract

In this study, pure TiN coatings were applied on AISI 52100 steel surfaces with a magnetron sputterer at different direct current (DC) powers and N2 flows to develop a wear-resistant coating for sliding tribopairs working in atmospheric and vacuum conditions. Wear and friction characteristics of these coatings were investigated with a tribometer under both vacuum and atmospheric conditions. DC power and N2 flow affected the coating thickness and structure. TiN coatings showed different wear and friction characteristics under ambient and vacuum conditions due to the oxidation level of the surface.