Energetic approach to study wear response of WC–Co–Cr coating

Purpose The purpose of the present work is to investigate the tribological performance of high velocity oxy fuel deposited WC–Co–Cr ceramic coating with varying loads and sliding velocities. Design/methodology/approach Thorough examination of tribological performance of this coating is evaluated at five different loads and two different sliding velocities. As received and worn surfaces are structurally characterized using scanning electron microscopy attached with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and 3-D optical profilometry. Modified wear energy parameter (MWEP) is developed based on structural, mechanical and thermal properties of the coating along with the operating conditions. Findings Results show 6%–28% lower friction coefficient and 1.2–1.5 times lower wear rates at higher sliding velocity over the range of loads. Lower wear rates were attributed to plastic deformation-assisted mechanisms such as minor removal of binder phase, whereas large values of wear rates were due to brittle fracture-dominated phenomena such as cracking and fracture of carbide particles. The tribo oxide layer was responsible for better wear performance at higher sliding velocity. Originality/value Results were rationalized with the help of MWEP, which could correlate the tribological performance of a coating under different operating conditions, which will be useful for predicting severity of wear and identifying safe and unsafe wear life of coatings used for commercial applications. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2025-0198/