Wear and smearing resistance of black iron mixed oxide coated steels

Surface coatings increase the wear and smearing resistance of a machine element. Nevertheless, most of the coating processes are expensive and time-consuming. By contrast, Schaeffler's Durotect® B coating seems attractive regarding production expenditure and price. However, the literature about the behaviour of this coating is very limited. This paper describes the experimental setup and the experiments that were carried out in order to evaluate the wear and smearing resistance of the Durotect® B coated 100Cr6 steel in reference to plain 100Cr6 through hardened steel. Durotect® B is a mixed black iron oxide coating developed by Schaeffler especially for use in machine elements. The main measured parameters (mass loss, smearing slide-to-roll ratio, friction and normal force, surface roughness and bulk temperature) are presented. Comparative charts of the monitored parameters are given and discussed. It is concluded that this coating decreases friction coefficient and improves both the smearing and wear resistance.