Tribological Characterization of AlCrN, TiAlN, TiSiN and AlTiN Coatings Against Mold Steel

This study investigates the tribological performance of TiAlN, AlTiN, AlCrN, and TiSiN coatings under boundary lubrication conditions using a tribometer. The findings indicate significant reductions in average friction coefficients compared to uncoated tungsten carbide (0.2436), with TiSiN demonstrating the lowest friction coefficient of 0.2111, thus showcasing its superior performance. Optical microscopy and profilometry analyses further reveal that TiSiN coating effectively minimizes surface roughness and wear tracks, suggesting enhanced wear resistance. While the coatings successfully reduce friction, they tend to increase wear on the counter materials. This study highlights the critical role of these coatings in industrial applications, emphasizing the need to balance friction reduction with wear enhancement for optimal performance.