Preparation and Characterization of FeS Film by Low Temperature Ion Sulfurizing Technique

Abstract

In this article, solid lubrication FeS film was prepared on the surface of AISI 1045 steel by means of low temperature ion sulfurizing process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the surface and cross-section morphologies of the sulfurized layer. The element distribution of the sulfurized layer surface was analyzed by X-ray energy spectrometer. The crystalline phases were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray stress determinator was utilized to measure the residual stress in the sulfurized layer. The nano-hardness and elastic modulus of the sulfurized layer were surveyed by a nano-indentation tester. The results showed that the surface of the FeS film was composed of many minute spherical particles with homogeneous grain size and distribution. The texture of the film was very loose with lots of micro-pores, and the crystallinity was well. There was compressive stress in the FeS film, and the stress value measured is -150 MPa. The average value of nano-hardness and elastic modulus were 4.02 GPa and 157.36 GPa respectively.

Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Self-Lubricating FeS Coating Prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition Coating Technique

“…Depositing a solid lubricating coating on the gear surface is considered to be a simple and very effective approach to improve the wear resistance of materials. FeS is considered as an excellent solid lubricant because of its hexagonal structure, low shear strength, and high melting point [22,[30][31][32][33][34]. Moreover, the cost is very low, only about 1% that of MoS 2 coating which is also considered as a good solid lubricant for the gears [35,36].…”

“…Moreover, the cost is very low, only about 1% that of MoS 2 coating which is also considered as a good solid lubricant for the gears [35,36]. Recently, it has been confirmed that the FeS solid lubrication coatings deposited on steels by ion sulfurizing [22,31,[37][38][39], plasma spraying [22,40], plasma source ion sulfurizing [41], can significantly improve the lubrication property of steels. In this study, the FeS coatings were prepared on commercial AISI 5140 steel by a chemical bath deposition (CBD) coating technique at various temperatures.…”