Tribological properties of boron carbonitride coatings sliding against different wood (acerbic, beech, and lauan) balls

Boron carbonitride (BCN) coatings were prepared using radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering via adjusting substrate bias voltage from -50 V to -200 V. The mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings were investigated. The coexistence of B-N, B-C, and N-C bonds was detected in coatings according to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, indicating the formation of ternary BCN hybridization. The hardness of BCN coatings increased from 14.4 GPa to 24.3 GPa with an increase of substrate bias voltage, while their adhesion strength on substrate decreased. The friction behavior of BCN coatings sliding against different wood (acerbic, beech, and lauan) balls was examined using a ball-on-disk tribometer. The average friction coefficient fluctuated in a range of 0.74-1.02. The wear track of BCN coating sliding against hardwood (acerbic) presented obvious scratches, which were not noted as sliding against other softwood balls in comparison.