Patterning of hard coatings for incorporation of solid lubricant microreservoirs

Hard coatings containing microscopic reservoirs for solid lubricant storage have the potential to advance the development of dry, self-lubricating coatings. In the present study we have investigated several methods for fabricating hard coatings that incorporate microscopic reservoirs. These methods all involve the use of placeholders on the substrate surface that are later removed after deposition of the hard coating. One method uses a solution containing ceramic beads, while the second method uses conventional photolithography methods. Coatings using both of these methods were fabricated using TiN as the hard coating. The effectiveness of the microreservoirs for solid lubricant storage was examined by conducting pin-on-disk test using various solid lubricants, including graphite and indium. The performance of coatings with random arrangements of microreservoirs was scattered while samples with the ordered arrangements of microreservoirs all performed well. Optical microscopy examination of the wear tracks showed the microreservoirs were generally successful at trapping the graphite lubricant during wear. With a sufficient density and appropriate distribution of the microreservoirs, the significant improvements in tribological performance can be realized.