Evaluation of nanomechanical and tribological properties of laser surface alloyed boride-nitride-carbide ceramic matrix composite coatings

Abstract

Interesting mechanical and tribological properties, favorable for both ambient and high temperature applications, can be gathered by composites consisting of multiple reinforcing phases. The present study focuses on the characterization of ceramic matrix composite coatings with in-situ reinforcements, developed through combination of laser triggered chemical reaction and subsequent laser treatment. A preplaced precursor mixture of TiO2, SiO2, hBN and graphite powders in stoichiometric proportions is used for the chemical reaction activated by a high power laser beam to produce coatings containing TiB2, TiN, SiC and hBN. Minor modifications in the constituents of the preplaced precursor mixture helped in developing coatings different in terms of the amount of hBN and SiC present in it. This compositional variation brought significant changes in mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) are used to confirm the presence of all the reaction products in the CMC coatings developed. Evaluation of nanomechanical properties and studies on the tribological properties of these coatings are performed thoroughly. Reduced modulus (Er) and nanohardness (H) of the composite coatings deposited on AISI 1025 steel have been measured from load–displacement curves. The stress-strain curves of composite coatings help in characterizing its damage tolerance and determining design stresses to find suitability to any application. Presence of hBN in composite coating causes reduction in coefficient of friction. Coatings formed with SiC in precursor helps in improving the specific wear rate. Top surface morphology and tribological properties of these coatings, after they are exposed to high temperature, are also explored.