Characteristic and tribological behavior of amorphous carbon–containing CrAlCN coating by cathodic arc ion plating

Amorphous carbon–containing CrAlCN coating was deposited on Cr12MoV steel by cathodic arc ion plating. The effect of amorphous carbon on the tribological performance of obtained coating under the different normal loads was investigated using a ball–on–disc tester, and the lubrication and wear mechanisms of amorphous carbon were discussed in detail. The results show that the CrAlCN coating is composed of AlN, CrN and CrC phases with the amorphous carbon. The average coefficient of friction of CrAlCN coatings under the normal loads of 2, 4 and 6 N are 0.458, 0.586, and 0.666, respectively, where the amorphous carbon plays a self–lubrication role in the friction process. The wear degree is deteriorated with the increase of normal load, and the wear mechanism is changed from abrasive wear to adhesive wear.