Properties of Diamond-like Tungsten-Doped Carbon Coatings Lubricated with Cutting Fluid

In this paper, the authors investigated the impact of DLC coatings doped with tungsten (a-C:H:W) coatings obtained using plasma-assisted physical vapor deposition (PVD) on the properties of the 100Cr6 steel. The results of the 100Cr6 steel specimens with and without the coating were compared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to observe the morphology of the coating surfaces and cross-sections and identify the elements in the coating composition. The contact angle of the investigated surfaces was measured with a tensiometer. Additionally, the effect of the coatings on the tribological properties of lubricated friction pairs was evaluated. Friction tests were performed on a ball-on-disc tribometer under lubrication with cutting fluid. The surface texture of the samples before and after the tribological tests was measured using a confocal profilometer. The results obtained from the tests and analysis allow for the conclusion that the use of DLC coatings a-C:H:W increases the hardness of 100Cr6 steel by three times. The values of the contact angles were indicative of surface hydrophilic characteristics. The tungsten-doped diamond-like coating under friction conditions reduced the coefficient of friction and wear. DLC coatings a-C:H:W lubricated with the cutting fluid improve the mechanical and tribological properties of 100Cr6 steel sliding surfaces under friction.