Tribological behavior of TiN and CrN coatings sliding against an epoxy molding compound

TiN and CrN coatings were deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputtering, and then rubbed against an epoxy molding compound (EMC). In sliding against an EMC, TiN exhibited an extremely high wear rate and a low friction coeffici ent, while the CrN-coated sample showed the opposite behavior. To understan d this difference, Raman spectroscopy and thermal testing were used to stud y both coatings. Combining the results of oxidation, Raman spectroscopy and tribological testing, it can be concluded that the oxidation and pore gene ration occurring in the TiN coating during sliding deteriorated the mechani cal properties of the coating and therefore its wear resistance. The excell ent wear performance of the CrN coating against EMC was related to its good oxidation resistance, and adhesion to the substrate at high temperature. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.