Effect of magnetic field intensity on friction and wear of TiN- and TiCN-coated neodymium magnets

Abstract

Numerous machinery components are constantly influenced by magnetic fields, mainly because of the environments in which they operate. In addition, these components show different friction and wear characteristics throughout their lifetime because of their operating conditions. Here, the tribological characteristics of magnetized materials were investigated. The magnet specimens consisted of a neodymium magnet, which is one of the strongest magnets, coated with TiN or TiCN. Sliding tests were conducted with a ball-on-disk-type tester. The tribological properties of magnetized samples were compared considering their different coating conditions. The wear amount was measured under constant load and cycle conditions. The measured wear amount was used to evaluate the specimens’ tribological characteristics. One of the important factors affecting the wear and friction properties is the magnetic flux density and the formation of an oxidative transfer layer under a magnetic field. Samples subjected to a magnetic field showed better wear resistance as a result of a magnetic effect that resulted in debris being oxidized at the rubbing interface, which reduced debris production. These results can be used to evaluate the reliability of mechanical components exposed to a magnetic field.