Fretting Wear Behavior of Electroplated Chromium Coatings on TC6 Alloy at Room and High Temperature

Abstract This study explored the performance of chromium coatings in protecting titanium alloys against fretting wear at varying temperatures. The hardness (H) and elastic modulus (E) of the coatings, electroplated on titanium alloy surfaces, were measured at 25 °C, 150 °C, and 250 °C. Fretting wear tests revealed that as temperature increased, the wear mechanism transitioned from abrasive to adhesive and oxidative wear. Wear volume decreased, and fretting wear resistance improved. The findings suggest that at higher temperatures, fretting wear behavior is influenced by thermal softening and oxidation. Therefore, static mechanical properties (H and E) do not fully predict fretting wear resistance in complex conditions.