Nanomechanical, nanotribological and macrotribological characterization of hard coatings and surface treatment of H-13 steel

Commercial coatings of diamond-like-carbon (DLC), titanium nitride (TiN), and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN), and nitriding treatment on H-13 steel have been carried out to improve the wear and friction of base H-13 steel. Nanomechanical and nanotribological studies were carried using scanning nanoindenter. Macrowear and macrofriction characterizations were also carried out using pin-on-disk apparatus. The results of coated and surface treated H-13 steel samples were compared with base H-13 steel. Friction, wear, and scratch mechanisms of various samples are discussed. Improved nanomechanical, nanotribological, and macrotribological properties of some coated samples make them attractive for various applications.