Tribological properties of MoSi₂-MoS₂ coatings coupling with SAE 52100 steel under reciprocating sliding

Tribological properties of MoSi₂-MoS₂ coatings coupling with SAE52100 steel were tested under reciprocating sliding. Effects of normal load, sliding speed and MoS₂ content on the coatings tribological properties were studied. Worn surfaces of the coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The friction coefficient of the coatings was approximately 0.45 and a little lower than that of the monolithic MoSi₂. The friction did not vary with the sliding time, sliding speed and load. Coating with 12 wt.% MoS₂ had the lowest friction. Wear rate of the coatings increased with the sliding speed and normal load and was higher than that of the monolithic MoSi₂. Wear rate of the coatings did not vary with MoS₂ content. Worn surface of the coatings and the coupling steel ball was covered by a SiO₂ and MoO₃ wear debris layer. Wear mechanism of the coatings was microfracture.