Characterization and friction behavior of LST/PEO duplex-treated Ti6Al4V alloy with burnished MoS2 film

Laser surface-textured Ti6Al4V substrate was treated by plasma electrolytic oxidation process to prepare an oxide ceramic coating and then burnished with a thin MoS2 film. The area densities of textured dimples and the surface roughness of oxide ceramic underlay which affected the longevity of MoS2 films were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that a mixed surface pattern combining large textured dimples (diameter 150 μm) with small discharged dimples (diameter 5-17 μm) was fabricated by the LST/PEO duplex treatment and it contributed to prolonging the lubricating life of MoS2 film in comparison to the LST or PEO treatment. Wherein, the mixed dimples acted as lubricant reservoirs and the hard oxide coatings provided high load supports for the lubricating films. A much longer life of low friction was provided by the LST/PEO/MoS2 coatings with higher density of textured dimples (S = 55%) and lower roughness of LST/PEO surface (Ra = 1.0 μm).