Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Tribological Behavior of Magnetron-Sputtered MoS2 Solid Lubricant Coatings Deposited under Industrial Conditions

Depositing MoS2 coatings for industrial applications involves rotating the samples during PVD magnetron sputtering process. Here, we show that a 3-fold substrate rotation, along large target–substrate distance given by deposition unit, introduces porosity inside coatings. The mechanical properties and wear behavior strongly correlate with degree of porosity, which, in turn, depends on temperature rotational speed substrate. Ball-on-disk tests nanoindentation experiments consistent change tribological behavior; first, compaction porous structure dominates, followed compacted material. Compaction was main contributor to volume loss running-in Compared dense coating produced without initially showed lower hardness distinct behavior. Tribological lifetime good lubrication performance after compaction.