High-temperature tribological properties of AlCrN coatings deposited on textured surfaces under dry friction

Abstract Linear textures and AlCrN coatings were produced on cemented carbides using laser and physical vapor deposition, respectively. Reciprocal sliding friction studies were conducted under dry friction conditions to examine the tribological properties of the AlCrN coatings placed on textured surfaces against Si 3 N 4 ceramic balls at various temperatures. The findings demonstrated that at friction temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C, the average friction coefficient of the AlCrN coating samples placed on textured surfaces was lower than that of the samples deposited on smooth surfaces. This reduction occurred by 9.6%, 15.1%, and 23.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, because micro-textures trap wear debris, AlCrN coating samples put on textured surfaces had lower surface adhesions, indicating that micro-textures can improve the tribological properties of AlCrN coatings. Finally, the mechanisms of micro-texture improving tribological properties were investigated. Micro-textures can store wear debris, reducing friction coefficients and thereby minimizing abrasive wear. Micro-textures, on the other hand, can prevent coating oxidation by lowering the temperature of the friction area, resulting in less oxidative wear.