Enhanced anti-wear property of VCN coating in seawater with the optimization of bias voltage

Abstract

Through multi-arc ion plating technology, the VCN coatings were successfully prepared under various bias voltages. The microstructure, mechanical property, anti-corrosion capability and tribological performance of these VCN coatings were comparatively studied. With the bias voltage increased from −25 to −100 V, the adhesion force and hardness of VCN coatings increased by 73.33% (22.5 to 39 N) and 14.83% (31.7 to 36.4 GPa). Besides, the toughness, corrosion resistance and anti-wear ability of VCN coatings were enhanced to varying degrees by changing the bias voltage. By contrast, the VCN coating at −100 V presented the smallest friction coefficient (COF) of 0.113 and wear rate of 5.25 × 10−7 mm3/Nm, implying an attractive protective effect for key friction parts in marine environment.