Structure and tribocorrosion properties of ultralubricated (TiAlCrSi)C multicomponent coatings prepared by FCVAD

To address corrosion and friction problems in complex environments, traditional protective coatings are gradually replaced by multicomponent coatings. In this work, a (TiAlCrSi)C multicomponent coating with ultralubrication (COF < 0.1) and excellent corrosion resistance was prepared by FCVAD technology with regulated C2H2 flow. The composition, structure, roughness, dry friction, corrosion and tribocorrosion of the (TiAlCrSi)C coating were analyzed. The results show that the (TiAlCrSi)C coating shows an amorphous structure, and the addition of carbon improves the degree of amorphization of the coating. Carbon exists in the form of carbide and amorphous carbon in the (TiAlCrSi)C coating, the carbon content saturation of the coating is about 70 at.%. The formed carbides and sp2-C in the (TiAlCrSi)C coating have extremely low COFs and good wear resistance. The high proportions of amorphous carbon and sp2-C improve the self-lubricating and nonmetallic properties of the (TiAlCrSi)C coating, which makes the coating have good tribocorrosion resistance in 5.0 wt% H2SO4 solution. The wear mode of the coating changes from abrasive wear to adhesive wear. Therefore, the (TiAlCrSi)C coating has great potential application value for tribocorrosion surface protection in a 5.0 wt% H2SO4 solution environment.