Attempt of TiZrVCrAl coating on aerospace bearings—Lower friction coefficient in oil–liquid mixed media

Abstract

In this study, the corrosion resistansce of TiZrVCrAl coating in a seawater environment was tested, providing a theoretical basis for expanding its application in a wider field. The results show that sputtering time below 1 h is beneficial to improve the coating flatness, and too long sputtering time will impel agglomeration on the coating surface. The coating raises the open circuit potential and decreases the current density of the bearing in seawater by increasing the impedance. Coating before heat treatment (coating I) was easier to be damaged during the corrosion and wear process, forming three-body wear and aggravating the coating failure. The heat-treated coating (coating II) facilitates the collection of abrasive debris and raises the dynamic fluid pressure. Although coating II has a negative impact on the corrosion resistance of the coating, it reduces the friction coefficient by 40% and prolongs the wear resistance life of the coating, which is even more valuable under the dynamic corrosion wear effect of M50 bearing steel as the background.