Tribological behavior of Cr₂O₃ coatings as bearing materials

In this study, the tribological behavior of Cr₂O₃/Ni8.5Cr7Al5Mo2Si2B2FeTiO₂ coatings for bearing materials was investigated in dry and acid conditions. Flame spray technique was used in order to deposit coating materials onto AISI 304L steel substrate. The coated samples were characterized by means of an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), surface roughness and microhardness testers. The wear experiments were performed under dry and acid environments using a pin-on-plate configuration against AISI 303 counter material for different loads. It was found that in acid environment, the amount of wear loss is less than that of in dry condition and applied load level is more effective in dry condition. In SEM study, the effect of plastic deformation of adherent and compacted debris particles on friction of the coatings was investigated.