Coatings to Prevent Adhesive wear in Steels

Keywords

adhesion, build-up, friction, wear, contact pressure, tool steels, coatings (chemical and electrolytic)

Abstract

The study investigates adhesive build-up formation on tool steels under dry friction. Experimental tests were performed on alloyed steels (AISI 9262, AISI T31507) and high-speed steel (AISI M3) using a UMT-2168 tribometer under loads of 20–60 N and sliding speeds of 0.6–1.5 m/s. The results show that AISI 9262 and AISI T31507 are most prone to build-up at the initial stage of friction, accompanied by temperature rise and increased friction torque. Electrolytic Ni and Cr coatings promoted build-up due to microstructural defects, while chemical chromium coatings effectively suppressed build-up and improved tribological performance. Composite coatings demonstrated partial effectiveness, with Cu–Ni bilayers reducing build-up and Ni–Al₂O₃ eliminating it under moderate regimes but increasing wear. The findings highlight the role of coating type and steel microstructure in controlling adhesive build-up and improving wear resistance.

References

1. Makovkin, O., Dykha, O., Valchuk, I. Adhesive built-up edge on tool steels due to friction and wear // Problems of Tribology. – 2024. – 29(3/113). –56–64. https://doi.org/10.31891/2079-1372-2024-113-3-56-64