The Tribology of Surface Coatings, Particularly Ceramics

Abstract

The development of the chemical vapour deposition and plasma-assisted vapour deposition processes has produced major improvements in the performance of tribological coatings. Such processes produce thin, of the order of a few micrometres, highly adhered coatings for engineering components for improved wear and corrosion resistance. The paper shows the effect of substrate and film materials on tribological performance. With such thin films it is shown that surface finish is of major importance and particular emphasis is given to the behaviour of ceramic films. The paper concentrates on the general physical principles governing the tribological behaviour of thin solid films. It is hoped that this presentation will stimulate interest in further extensions of knowledge and encourage a wider application of coatings in industrial service.