Investigation of the properties of MoS2-Ti coatings produced by DC magnetron sputtering

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is one of the most widely used solid lubricants applied in different ways on the surfaces under friction. these coatings are very sensitive to water vapor and not suitable for applications in moist environments.. One way to improve the durability of a MoS2 film and also to reduce the deleterious effects of humidity and oxidation on its tribological performance is to co-sputter it with a metal in this study Ti-MoSx composite coatings were deposited onto AISI 1045 steel substrates by direct-current magnetron sputtering. The MoS2/Ni ratio in the coatings was controlled by sputtering the composite targets. The coatings were characterized X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron miTioscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and nano-indentation and nano-sTiatch techniques. The tribological behavior of the coatings were investigated using the pin-on-disc test at room temperature. The results showed that the thickness, and the hardness of the coating were 4-6 µm, 850-1400 HV, respectively. The degree of Tiystallization of the composite coatings inTieased with inTieasing doped contents. The incorporation of Ti to MoSx coatings resulted in a considerable improvement of coating adhesion and hardness. The optimum doping level for Ti-MoSx coatings to show the best tribological properties,) with both the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate (was 5 atomic percent. The main wear mechanism of coating were delamination tribochemical and abrasive miTioTiacking.