Mechanical and tribological properties of B-C-N coatings sliding against different wood balls

BCN coatings with different chemical compositions were prepared using RF magnetron sputtering via adjusting N-2 flow. The influence of N-2 flow on the bonding structure, mechanical and tribological properties of coating was studied. The structural analysis indicated the coexistence of B-N, B-C, and N-C bonds, suggesting the formation of a ternary BCN hybridization. The maximum Vickers hardness of 1614.7 HV was obtained at the low N-2 flow (5 sccm), whereas the adhesion strength of BCN coatings on 316L stainless steel was improved with an increase of N-2 flow. The friction behavior of BCN coatings sliding against different materials (acerbic, beech and lauan wood) was performed using ball-on-disk tribo-meter in air. The low friction coefficient was easier to obtain as sliding against hardwood i.e. acerbic balls. BCN-5 and BCN-10 coatings presented better wear resistance regardless of softwood or hardwood, whilst other two coatings were more suitable for mating softwood i.e. beech and lauan.