Influence of Research Factors and Al2O3 Layer Production Parameters on Tribological and Microstructural Properties

Abstract

The exclusion of systems supplying the lubricant from the outside makes it necessary to replace traditional sliding pairs with materials containing a lubricant component. Such solutions are carried out to prevent the formation of material tacks and, consequently, of adhesive wear, which must be avoided. The article presents the influence of research factors and parameters of Al2O3 layer production on tribological and microstructural properties. The input variables for the tests were the admixture of WS2 to the electrolyte, the type of sputtering of the samples for SEM tests, and the load on the oxide coating—TG15 material friction node. The surface morphology and cross-section of the oxide coatings as well as the tribological properties of the rubbing pair have been studied. Interactions between the input variables and the obtained test results have been analyzed using DOE—a 2k factorial design with one repetition. Pareto charts and two-way ANOVA were used to determine the relationship. The analysis of variance shows the influence of sample preparation on the calculation values of the size of nanopores and Al2O3 walls on the SEM image. Statistical analyzes also show that both the load and the type of electrolyte affected the values of the coefficient of friction and wear of the TG15 material; those values are the result of appropriate adhesion of the sliding film to the surface of the layer.