Influence of Si- and W- doping on micro-scale reciprocating wear and impact performance of DLC coatings on hardened steel

Reciprocating micro-scale sliding tests and repetitive impact were performed with diamond probes on un-doped, Si-doped W-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings hardened steel a nanomechanical test instrument. Analytical modelling showed that differences in coating behaviour during contact could be interpreted by the stress distribution develops. The softer DLC exhibited lowest wear resistance reciprocating sliding. deformation track under conditions (R = 25 µm, P ≤ 500 mN, total distance 1 m) was largely controlled plastic hence hardness, since fatigue only small contributor. relationship between friction more complex, due to changing influence of surface topography, asperity ploughing increasing cycles. impact. hardest highest H3/E2 coating, un-doped DLC, also susceptible fracture throughout load range. Although softest studied had low sliding, it significantly damage tolerant impacting than other despite its hardness tests.