PROPERTIES OF DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON COATINGS ON THE TITANIUM ALLOY Ti13Nb13Zr

摘要

The paper discusses the results of experimental research on DLC type diamond coating a-C:H obtained by the technique of physical vapour deposition from PVD on titanium alloy Ti13Nb13Zr. Calotest and an optical microscope were used to determine the thickness of the obtained coating. The nano-hardness of uncoated and with a-C:H coating was determined by the indentation method using a Berkovich indenter. The geometric structure of the surface before and after tribological tests was assessed using a confocal microscope with an interferometric mode. Tests of the resistance of test materials to tribological wear were performed on a tribometer in reciprocating motion under technically dry friction, and friction with lubrication with an artificial blood solution and Ringer's solution. Tests carried out for the combination of a 6 mm diameter Al_2O_3 ball-Ti13Nb13Zr titanium alloy disc without and with the DLC coating applied. The results obtained during the tests showed that the use of the DLC coating increases the hardness five times and reduces the friction. In the case of technically dry friction, the coefficient of friction decreased by 70%, the solution of artificial blood by 50%, and in the case of Ringer's solution by 90%, in comparison with the results obtained for the Ti13Nb13Zr alloy.