Surface Modification for Tribology with Pvd Processes: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

AbstractThe last two decades have seen substantial progress in the development of physical vapor deposition processes and in ion implantation technologies to modify the surface properties of engineering materials. Surface modification to engineer surfaces for tribological applications has become possible. Hard coatings are now in wide commercial use in tooling applications both to reduce wear and to extend the product life. However, the use of wear resistant coatings in engineered parts and components is yet to become significant. Some of the problems inhibiting wider use of surface modification in tribological applications are discussed in this paper. Recent developments in arc coating to overcome the discrete interface problem associated with low temperature PVD are described. It is shown that the creation of graded interfaces is now feasible. Results from a study involving the multi-layer deposition of titanium and nickel from a single, composite cathode are presented and discussed. It is shown that the prospects for increased use of surface modification to improve the characteristics of tribological components have been enhanced.