Affiliation:
1. Rzeszow University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics
Abstract
The present study discusses the influence of an a-C:H coating on the tribological parameters of sliding pairs
under mixed friction. Using the PVD method, the a-C:H coating was formed on specimens made from AISI
4337 steel. The sliding friction and wear process was carried out on the pairs of AISI 4337 steel and SAE-
48 bearing alloy, which were lubricated with 10W40 biodegradable engine oil. The investigation showed
significant differences in the friction coefficient and temperature in the tested pairs with the steel surface layer
and the a-C:H coating. In the friction pairs with the a-C:H coating, the tested parameters of friction were
higher than in pairs with the steel surface layer. The pairs with the a-C:H coating showed more intensive wear
of the SAE-48 bearing alloy than those with a steel surface. The surface layer used in a friction pair leads to
the deterioration of the lubricating properties of engine oil and reduces its resistance to scuffing.