A study of the abrasive resistance of sputtered CrN coatings deposited on AISI 316 and AISI H13 steel substrates using steel particles

In this study, the abrasive wear resistance of AISI 316 and AISI H13 steels, uncoated and coated with sputtered CrN coating was evaluated by using an abrasive rubber wheel tester. The characterization process of the coatings was performed by using SEM, XRD and EDS techniques. Additionally, hardness tests were carried out with a Vickers microhardness tester. The substrates of AISI 316 and AISI H13 steels were manufactured as follows 25.4 mm × 57.2 mm and 6.35 mm in thickness. The coating thickness for all samples was 4 μm. Coatings were deposited using a cathodic erosive equipment (DC Magnetron Sputtering). Angular abrasive steel particles (G80) were used to conduct the tests. The particle size was 200 μm and the particle hardness 450–480 HV. A nominal sliding speed of 200 rpm and a total sliding distance of 6000 m were used to run the tests. Also, a 64 N load was applied. The lost weight was monitored constantly every 1000 m. In addition, wear rates ( Q) and wear coefficients ( k) were obtained. The wear mechanisms identified were irregular indentations with plastic deformation and “galling” due to the shape and hardness of the steel particles. Additionally, three body abrasive wear was also present for both materials and typical wear damage such as cutting and plowing action, grooves, and parallel scratches. Finally, it was concluded that AISI H13 coated with the CrN coating exhibited the highest wear resistance compared to AISI H13 uncoated and AISI 316 steel coated and uncoated.