Effect of Oxidation on the Wear Behavior of a ZrN Coating

In the present study tribological performance of ZrN coatings deposited on hardened AISI D2 quality cold work tool steel by arc-Physical Vapor Deposition technique has been examined in as-deposited and oxidized conditions. ZrN coatings were oxidized at 400 oC for various times up to 12 h. Reciprocating wear tests carried out by rubbing Al2O3 balls on the coatings, revealed significant improvement in wear resistance of ZrN coating upon oxidation. Oxidation treatment at 400 oC for 12 h yielded seven times higher wear resistance than as-deposited ZrN coating, beside significant reduction in the wear of counterface (Al2O3 ball).