Micromechanical and tribological properties of nanocrystalline coatings of iron-tungsten alloys electrodeposited from citrate-ammonia solutions

The correlation between the composition, morphology, and properties of Fe-W alloy coatings containing up to 29 at % tungsten was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and the wear resistance and nanohardness measurements. The coatings were deposited from the citrate-ammonia bath at a direct current, the current densities were ranged from 10 to 100 mA/cm². It is shown that, in contrast to metallurgical iron, the Fe-W coatings are nanocrystalline (amorphous, the grain size is 3.0–4.0 nm). This structure of alloys allows us to produce the coatings with a nanohardness of ～13 GPa, which is comparable to the electrolytic chromium coatings. The study of wear resistance of thus obtained coatings reveals their oxidation in the course of dry friction; as a result, the oxygen content in the debris increases by 2–3 times, and the wear volume due to the tribooxidation exceeds that for similar hard Co-W and electrolytic chromium coatings.     

Grey relational analysis for optimization of wear parameters and surface roughness on nano composite coating

The higher wear resistance of Ni based nano composite coatings makes them potential replacement in protecting the substrate materials. The role of surface roughness of the coating along with wear parameters on the specific wear rate, pin temperature, and COF are addressed in the present study. The use of hard nano Al₂O₃ particles found significant role in increasing the resistance to wear for Ni matrix coatings on Al6061 material. The resistance to dislocation offered by these nano Al₂O₃ particles and smear out of debris with plastic deformation indicated abrasive and adhesive nature of wear mechanism in combination. The optimization of wear parameters are carried out by surface response method based grey relation analysis. The normal load applied onto the pin has significant influence on the specific wear rate and temperature rise in the pin. The surface roughness of the coating has also found instrumental in the higher pin temperature and friction coefficient.     

Applying diamond like carbon layer on carbon/carbon composites and its effect on the deposition of hydroxyapatite coating

The biomedical application of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites is limited by lacking bioactivity and releasing carbon debris. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating has been used to improve the bioactivity of C/C composites, but it cannot reduce the release of carbon debris effectively because of poor wear resistance property. In this work, a wear‐resistant layer of diamond like carbon (DLC) is applied on C/C composites, followed by an ultrasound‐assisted electrochemical deposition to prepare HA coatings. The microstructure, morphology and chemical composition of the DLC layer and the HA coating are characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectrum. The bonding strength between the HA coating and the DLC layer modified C/C composites is examined by a tensile test. The results show that the DLC layer has a spherical morphology and provides a uniform surface for the deposition of the HA coating. The HA coating shows flaky morphology with a compact structure. The tensile strength of the HA coating on the DLC layer modified C/C composites is 6.24 ± 0.40 MPa, which is significantly higher than that of HA coating on unmodified C/C composites(3.04 ± 0.20 MPa). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterisation of tribocorrosion behaviour of multilayer PVD coatings

The effect of repassivation on tribocorrosion behaviour of two multilayer coatings of different structures is studied experimentally by measuring the variation of instantaneous open-circuit potential during friction. One coating consists of alternating Cr and CrN layers, while another consists of alternated layers of CrN and ZrN. Analysis of the results showed that friction force, i.e. the rate of the mechanical energy supplied to the material in the contact zone, has no direct influence on the tribocorrosion behaviour; however, the wear rate does strongly influence the tribocorrosion. A simple phenomenological model of repassivation of the multilayer coating is developed assuming “surface coverage” approach. This model establishes the relationship between the rate of mechanical activation of material by friction and the behaviour of the open-circuit potential.     

Structure,corrosion, and tribological properties of CrSiN coatings with various Si contents in 3.5% NaCl solution

The CrSiN coatings with different silicon contents were deposited on 304L stainless steel and single silicon substrates using medium frequency magnetron sputtering via adjusting the silicon target current. Microstructures, mechanical, corrosion, and tribological performances were systematically investigated by the corresponding equipment. The results showed that the CrSiN coatings were composed of 2 phases: the nanocrystalline CrN coordinated with adjacent Si₃N₄ to form a typical nanocrystalline amorphous structure. With the increase of silicon content, the hardness emerged a rising trend until 12.65 at.%, where the hardness reached its highest value at approximately 22 GPa. At the moment, the friction coefficient and wear rate were approximately 0.27 and 6.9 × 10⁻⁸ mm³/Nm, respectively, which were 18.75% and 61.67% lower than that of the CrN coating, respectively. This mainly attributed to the lubrication of tribochemical products of SiO₂ and Si(OH)₄. In addition, excellent toughness, high hardness, preferable adhesion, and good corrosion resistance also contributed to improve the tribological properties of CrSiN coating.     

Nanometric resolution in glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry depth profiling of metal (Cr,Al) nitride multilayers

In this work, we address the capability of glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) for fast and accurate depth profiling of multilayer nitride coatings down to the nanometer range. This is shown by resolving the particular case of CrN/AlN structures with individual thickness ranging from hundreds to few nanometers. In order to discriminate and identify artefacts in the GDOES depth profile due to the sputtering process, the layered structures were verified by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interfaces in the GDOES profiles for CrN/AlN structures are sharper than the ones measured for similar metal multilayers due to the lower sputtering rate of the nitrides. However, as a consequence of the crater shape, there is a linear degradation of the depth resolution with depth (approximately 40 nm/μm), saturating at a value of approximately half the thickness of the thinner layer. This limit is imposed by the simultaneous sputtering of consecutive layers. The ultimate GDOES depth resolution at the near surface region was estimated to be of 4–6 nm.     

Establishment of a novel in vitro test setup exposing adherent cells to wear particles made of polyethylene

Wear debris from endoprostheses leads to osteolysis and causes aseptic loosening. Cellular interactions with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) particles are rarely described because of the difficulty of incubation of adherent cells with floating polyethylene particles in vitro.The aim of this study was to develop a technique for analysing interactions of adherent cells with UHMW-PE particles in vitro. Therefore, different volumes of a wear particle suspension, generated in a standard hip wear simulator, were digested and filtered through polycarbonate filters. The filters were applied to cell culture inserts cultivated with human osteoblasts. Particle analysis resulted in a significant reduction of particle numbers in different suspension volumes.Exposure to the highest particle density resulted in a significant decrease of collagen 1 synthesis as well as a tendency for increasing matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production. Therefore, involvement of osteoblasts in matrix degradation due to wear debris can be assumed.     

稀土变质热锻模具铸钢高温磨损性能的研究

研究了稀土（RE）变质热锻模具铸钢的高温磨损性能，并与热锻模具钢H13钢和3Cr2W8V钢进行对比，探讨了稀土元素的作用和热锻模具铸钢的高温磨损机理。结果表明：随着RE加入量的增加，热锻模具铸钢的磨损率先减后增，RE加入量在质量分数为0．05％时热锻模具铸钢具有最佳的高温磨损性能。RE变质热锻模其铸钢的高温耐磨性明最高于H13钢和3Cr2W8V钢。高温磨损机理为氧化磨损和氧化物的疲劳剥落，磨屑为块状的Fe2O3和Fe3O4。     

Comparative study of the effects of nano‐sized and micro‐sized CF and PTFE on the thermal and tribological properties of PEEK composites

The tribological characteristics of PEEK composites fretting against GCr 15 steel were investigated by a SRV‐IV oscillating reciprocating ball‐on‐disk tribometer. In order to clarify the effect of type and size of fillers on the properties of PEEK composites, nano‐sized and micro‐sized CF and PTFE fillers were added to the PEEK matrix. The thermal conductivity, hardness, and fretting wear properties of PEEK composites reinforced by CF or PTFE were comparatively studied. The results showed that the type and size of the fillers have an important effect on both the friction coefficient and wear rate, by affecting their thermal conductivity, hardness, as well as the surface areas of their transfer films. In comparison, the effect on improving the tribological properties of micro‐sized CF was superior to that of nano‐sized CF, while the effect of nano‐sized PTFE was superior to that of micro‐sized PTFE. Considering the acceptable friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite under the fretting wear test, it seemed that 4% nCF, 20% mCF, 2% nPTFE and 10% mPTFE were desired additive proportions. And it also can be found that during the fretting wear test, the abrasive and adhesive wear resulted in accumulative debris at the contacting surface. The transfer films made of debris were formed on the counterfaces.     

Tunable magnetophoretic method for distinguishing and separating wear debris particles in an Fe-PDMS-based microfluidic chip

Wear debris analysis provides an early warning of mechanical transmission system aging and wear fault diagnosis, which has been widely used in machine health monitoring. The ability to detect and distinguish the ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic debris in oil is becoming an effective way to assess the health status of machinery. In this work, an Fe-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based magnetophoretic method for the continuous separation of ferromagnetic iron particles by diameter and the isolation of ferromagnetic particles and nonmagnetic particles with similar diameter by type is developed. The particles experience magnetophoretic effects when passing through the vicinity of the Fe-PDMS where the strongest gradient of the magnetic fields exists. By choosing a relatively short distance between the magnet and the sidewall of the horizontal main channel and the length of Fe-PDMS with controlled particles flow rate, the diameter-dependent separation of ferromagnetic iron particles, that is, smaller than 7 µm, in the range of 8–12 µm, and larger than 14 µm, and the isolation of ferromagnetic iron particles and nonmagnetic aluminum particles based on opposite magnetophoretic behaviors by types are demonstrated, providing a potential method for the detection of wear debris particles with a high sensitivity and resolution and the diagnostic of mechanical system.     

Effect of Sintering Temperature on the Corrosion and Wear Behavior of Protective SiO2-Based Sol-Gel Coatings

Sol-gel hybrid organic-inorganic and inorganic SiO₂-based protective coatings with and without added 3 m glass particles were developed and tested for their corrosion and wear behavior of an stainless steel substrate (AISI316L). The corrosion resistance greatly increases by incorporating glass particles in the sols. The incorporation of particles in the coatings allows the synthesis of thicker crack-free coatings. On the other hand, the corrosion resistance increases for coatings with a higher organic content obtained at lower sintering temperature. These coatings are also highly stable in saline aqueous solutions. However, the wear resistance is badly affected by the hybrid character of the SiO₂ matrix. The optimum coating process in terms of corrosion and wear resistance, appears to be a hybrid system with a dense SiO₂ network achieved at intermediate sintering temperatures.     

Synthesis and Optical Properties of Mn2+-Doped ZnS Nanoparticles in Solutions and Coatings

Mn2+-doped ZnS nanoparticles with different Mn-doping concentrations stabilized by hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) have been synthesized in ethanolic solutions and coatings. Their optical and structural properties have been characterized by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Solutions and coatings exhibit a strong luminescence at 590 nm when excited with UV light showing that Mn2+ is incorporated into the ZnS nanoparticles. The highest luminescence intensity is obtained with an Mn2+ concentration of 2 mol%. HRTEM and SAXS investigations show that the particles are crystalline and are 3 ± 0.5 nm in size. Irradiation of the coatings with UV light leads to a photochemical oxidation of the particles, as shown by the decreasing absorption of the coating with irradiation time and a blue shift of the absorption maximum. Furthermore, the luminescence intensity first strongly increases and then decreases completely with UV-irradiation time. Both phenomena can be explained by the photochemical oxidation of the particles.     

Surface potential and resistance measurements for detecting wear of chemically-bonded and unbonded molecularly-thick perfluoropolyether lubricant films using atomic force microscopy

The wear of perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants applied on Si(100) and an Au film on Si(100) substrate at ultralow loads was investigated by using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based surface potential and resistance measurements. Surface potential data is used in detecting lubricant removal and the initiation of wear on the silicon substrate. The surface potential change is attributed to the change in the work function of the silicon after wear, and electrostatic charge build-up of debris in the lubricant. It was found that coatings that are partially bonded, i.e., containing a mobile lubricant fraction, were better able to protect the silicon substrate from wear compared to the fully bonded coating. This enhanced protection is attributed to a lubricant replenishment mechanism. However, an untreated lubricant coating exhibited considerable wear as it contains a smaller amount of lubricant bonded to the substrate relative to the partially bonded and fully bonded coatings. A sample subjected to shear is shown to have improved wear resistance, and this enhancement is attributed to chain reorientation and alignment of the lubricant molecules. The detection of wear of PFPE lubricants on Au by an AFM-based resistance measurement method is demonstrated for the first time. This technique provides complementary information to surface potential data in detecting substrate exposure after wear and is a promising method for studying the wear of conducting films.     

The electrodeposition of silver composites using deep eutectic solvents

Silver is an important metal for electronic connectors, however, it is extremely soft and wear can be a significant issue. This paper describes how improved wear resistant silver coatings can be obtained from the electrolytic deposition of silver from a solution of AgCl in an ethylene glycol/choline chloride based Deep Eutectic Solvent. An up to 10-fold decrease in the wear volume is observed by the incorporation of SiC or Al(2)O(3) particles. The work also addresses the fundamental aspect of speciation of silver chloride in solution using EXAFS to probe solution structure. The size but not the nature of the composite particles is seen to change the morphology and grain size of the silver deposit. Grain sizes are shown to be consistent with previous nucleation studies. The addition of LiF is found to significantly affect the deposit morphology and improve wear resistance.     

Comparative study of microstructure and tribological behavior of TiC/a‐C:H and a‐C:H coatings in a sand‐dust environment

TiC/a‐C:H and a‐C:H nanocomposite coatings were prepared on AISI 440C steel substrates using magnetron sputtering process. A comparative study was made on their composition and microstructure by Raman spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The tribological properties of two types of carbon‐based coatings were investigated by pin‐on‐disc tribometer under the sand‐dust conditions concerning the influence of applied load, amount of sand and sand particle sizes. The results show that these carbon‐based coatings exhibited high tribological performance with low friction coefficient and wear rate under the sand‐dust environments. However, the TiC/a‐C:H coatings exhibit relatively higher fluctuant friction coefficient as well as higher wear rate in comparison with the a‐C:H coatings under sand‐dust environments. The formation of nanocrystalline hard TiC phase distributed in amorphous carbon matrix decreased the residual stress but significantly increased the hardness and Young's modulus of TiC/a‐C:H coatings, and consequently caused a relatively higher abrasive and fatigue wear loss under the sand‐dust conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biological effects of magnesium particles degradation on UMR-106 cell line: influence of fluoride treatments

Mg-based materials are promising for orthopedic, dental, and cardiovascular applications but their high degradation rate in vivo (release of Mg ions and debris particles) is cause of great concern. Protective treatments involving fluoride conversion coatings have been proposed in order to reduce corrosion rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate Mg debris biodegradation and its possible cytotoxic effects on osteoblastic cells in situ. Neutral Red dying and Acridine Orange staining techniques were used as endpoints to analyse the cytotoxic effects at 100-2000 μg/mL concentration range. Results showed a marked variation of Mg ion concentration in the culture medium after different exposure periods (1, 2, or 24h). Interestingly, the release rate of magnesium ions was dependent on the presence or absence fluoride treatment. Adverse effects induced by ≥1000 μg/mL MP doses and Mg ion concentrations higher than 480 μg/mL were observed on cells. Results showed significant differences between the concentration of Mg ions in the presence and absence of cells. This fact reveals a dynamic equilibrium mediated by Mg ion input and output in the cells that leads to the change in MP corrosion rates. Fluoride release from conversion coatings did not show cytotoxic effects.     

Quantitative Filter Debris Analysis (QFDA) as a means of monitoring wear in oil-lubricated systems

In this study, the trace analytical technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), using the SLOWPOKE-2 Facility at RMC, was used to develop an application termed Quantitative Filter Debris Analysis (QFDA). The preliminary step, which consisted of the quantitative analysis of filter debris samples from CH-124 Sea King helicopter main gear boxes (MGB) for 19 elements associated with engine wear, confirmed that distinct ranges of normal and abnormal wear rates exist in the CH-124 MGB and, more importantly, validated the INAA procedures. The second step, which consisted of the analysis of both oil and filter debris samples from the CF-188 Hornet aircraft engine by the INAA technique and an Atomic Emission (AE) method, confirmed that little useful wear information can be found in the oil of a finely-filtered engine system and demonstrated the potential of QFDA as a means of monitoring wear by analyzing the oil filter debris. What appears to be normal wear rate ranges were identified for the CF-188 Hornet aircraft engine. The potential of monitoring the wear health of oil-lubricated systems using QFDA was confirmed by this investigation.     

复合电沉积的最新研究动态

综述近年来国内外复合电沉积技术最新研究动态.重点探讨纳米复合镀层,电催化复合镀层以及光活性复合镀层等方面的研究现状和发展趋势.纳米复合镀层比一般的复合镀层具有更高的硬度,更好的耐磨性和耐蚀性;电催化复合镀层则可在纯金属电极,合金电极的基础上进一步降低电极反应的过电位.以金属氧化物,导电聚合物作为基质材料的电催化复合镀层已为现代复合电沉积技术开辟了一个新领域.     

Possibility of raising the deposition rate of nickel coatings from a chloride electrolyte

Conditions under which nickel coatings can be deposited from a chloride electrolyte at a high rate were studied. The mechanism of this process was suggested and experimentally confirmed. The mass-transfer rate of nickel-containing particles was determined by chronopotentiometry, with temperature raised from 20 to 50°C. The dependence of pH_s on the current density was determined. Physicochemical parameters of the coatings (microhardness, internal stresses, porosity, luster, and adhesion) were measured.     

The high concentration and uniform distribution of diamond particles in Ni‐diamond composite coatings by sediment co‐deposition

Ni‐diamond composite coatings with high concentration and uniform distribution of diamond particles were prepared by using sediment co‐deposition (SCD) technique from Watts‐type electrolyte without any additives. The surface and cross‐section morphology was evaluated by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was demonstrated that the Ni‐monolayer diamond composite coatings ~40 ± 5 µm was successfully prepared by the new developed setup for SCD technique. Using this new developed setup, high concentration and uniform distribution of diamond particles of Ni‐monolayer diamond composite coatings were easily fabricated. The wear resistance and cutting performance of obtained composite coatings were also investigated. The results revealed that anti‐wear and cutting performance is superior to those prepared via conventional co‐electrodeposition (CED) technique and pure Ni coatings. In the SCD process, with the increasing diamond content, the wear resistance is approximately the same, and the cutting performance decreases. Therefore, not only the diamond particle content is responsible for the wear resistance and cutting performance, the distribution of diamond particles is also very important factor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.