Investigation of tribological behavior of thin solid films

Tribology deals with friction and wear phenomena occurring between two surfaces in relative motion, directly affecting mechanical reliability, energy efficiency, and component lifetime. Particularly, as electronic devices continue to become smaller and more highly integrated, conventional lubrication methods face significant limitations. Consequently, research on surface modification based on thin solid films has been actively pursued to reduce surface friction and wear, thereby enhancing the durability of the system. To design such thin film coatings, it is essential to evaluate their mechanical and chemical properties using various precision instruments. Failure mechanisms must be analyzed through friction and wear experiments using a tribometer that induces relative motion such as reciprocating or rotational motion at the contact interface. Comprehensive analysis and understanding of coating failure mechanisms are recognized as key elements for more reliable device design. This study investigates the friction and wear behavior of thin solid films with various materials and thicknesses, with particular focus on the influence of the mechanical properties of coating materials on wear behavior. Wear evolution under different sliding configurations is compared, examining how brittle- and ductile-dominated deformation modes govern crack initiation, delamination, and materials removal. The findings provide mechanical insight into the relationship between coating mechanical properties and tribological behavior under repeated sliding contact.