Tribological Performance and Deformation of Sputter-Deposited MoS2 Solid Lubricant Films During Sliding Wear and Indentation Contact.

摘要

Microstructural aspects of the plastic deformation of sputter-deposited MoS2 solid lubricant films on 440C bearing steel are presented. The films were produced in three different laboratories using radio frequency, direct current, and radio frequency magnetron sources. Two-types of contacts were investigated: (1) sliding wear contact in a thrust-washer apparatus used to evaluate film tribological performance, and (2) brale indentation contact used to investigate cross-sectional morphology and adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the films. The as-deposited morphology was found to influence the initial nature of the wear debris and the load-bearing capabilities of the films. In many cases, a highly deformed region confined to the surface of the films was found. Applied stress reoriented crystallites and induced crystallization. The degree of both processes was related to the initial structure and the percentage of wear lifetime of the film.