Vacuum Tribological Properties of W-S-N Coatings Synthesized by Direct Current Magnetron Sputtering

This work deals with the investigation of tribological performance DC magnetron sputtered W-S-N coatings under vacuum atmosphere, as part exploration multi-environment sliding properties solid lubricants. study is systematic testing lubricants in different environments, especially vacuum, which often ignored. The trend to test dry N2 by considering it replacement environment testing. approach not appropriate. In this work, a set was synthesized N-alloying content range 0–25.5 at.%. A maximum S/W ratio 1.47 observed for pure WSx coating. hardness 8.0 GPa 23 at.% N-alloying. coating lowest N (14.6 at.%) displayed friction, specific wear rate and scar depth conditions. Despite superior at room temperature (35% humidity), 200 °C nitrogen conditions, WSN12.5 deteriorated environment.