An Investigation Into the Properties of MoS2-Cr Coatings Produced by DC Magnetron Sputtering

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants. In this study, MoS2-Cr composite coatings were deposited onto AISI 1045 steel substrates by direct-current magnetron sputtering. The MoS2/Cr ratio in the coatings was controlled by sputtering the composite targets. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and nano-indentation and nano-scratch techniques. The tribological behavior of the coatings was investigated using the pin-on-disc test at room temperature. The results showed that the thickness and the hardness of the coating were 6 µmand 850-1300 HV, respectively. The degree of the crystallization of the composite coatings was enhanced with increasing the Cr contents. The incorporation of Cr into MoSx coatings resulted in the considerable improvement of coating adhesion and hardness. The optimum doping level for MoS2-Cr coatings to show the best tribological propertie was 13 atomic percent. The main wear mechanisms of the coating were delamination, tribochemical and abrasive micro cracking