Wear properties of diamond-like carbon coatings with silicon and chromium as adhesion layer using a high frequency reciprocating rig

The application of diamond-like carbon coatings to bearing surfaces is widespread from machining to bio-implants and has resulted in significant study of coating properties. The aim of this investigation was to determine the performance of two diamond-like carbon coatings, using chromium and silicon as adhesion layers. Linear reciprocating wear tests were carried out at room temperature using an AISI 440C steel ball reciprocating against the diamond-like carbon-coated metal substrate. The performance of the coatings under different contact pressures (500–3000 MPa); peak sliding velocities (28–378 mm/s); and stroke length, (1.5–4 mm). An electric resistance measurement was used to monitor coating failure owing to the dielectric nature of the tested coatings. An increase in contact pressure resulted in a decrease in number of cycles to failure for both the coatings. However, the number of cycles to failure increased proportionally with sliding speed. In addition, artifacts on the coating and blister formation generated coating debris which acted as a third body during the wear process. The debris caused complete delamination of the coatings initially at the ends of the wear scar. The silicon adhesion layer-coating samples were found to provide a greater resistance to failure due to it being thicker, harder, and more elastic as compared to samples having a chromium adhesion layer.