Adhesion tendency of PVD TiAlN coatings at elevated temperatures during reciprocating sliding against carbon steel

Whereas temperatures close to 400 °C ensure the formation of a stable tribofilm reducing friction, the highest temperatures lead to unstable frictional behaviour. Coating surface topography has been seen to be a major parameter driving material transfer during the first stages of the contact and the formation of a transfer layer. Thin and homogeneous layers are almost instantaneously formed with a polished surface whereas some time is required with a rougher one to form a film. A large amount of the frictional power is dissipated into these layers and high temperatures can be reached at the surface due to frictional heating. Contact pressure is found to be a parameter promoting transfer and oxidation.