Performance of MoS2/metal composite coatings used for dry machining and other industrial applications

As previously reported (Fox et al., Proc. PSE Conf., Garmisch Partenkirchen , 14-18 september, 1998), the properties of MoST(TM) coatings can be improv ed by the co-deposition of a small amount of titanium. These MoS2/Ti coatin gs, known as MoST(TM) produced by closed field unbalanced magnetron sputter ing, are harder, much more wear resistant and less sensitive to atmospheric water vapour. These coatings have given excellent industrial results for a wide range of cutting and forming applications. Two forms of these MoS2/ti tanium composite coatings have been developed: MoS2/titanium composite (low titanium, 10 at%) and MoS2/titanium composite (high titanium, 20 at%). The MoS2/titanium composite (low titanium) exhibits a coating hardness of 5 00 HV, a coefficient of friction of 0.02 during 100 N applied load reciproc ating wear testing, and a tow wear rate, while the MoS2/titanium composite (high titanium) exhibits a coating hardness similar to that of TiN, a coeff icient of friction of 0.04 during 100 N applied load reciprocating wear tes ting, and an extremely low wear rate. The choice of coatings is dependent upon the application. Recent industrial performance data related to the characteristics of these MoS2/titanium com posite (high titanium) self-lubricant coatings, which are utilised now in l arge-scale production, are presented. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All ri ghts reserved.