Optimizing wear behavior of TiN coated SS 316L against Ti alloy using Response Surface Methodology

• Published in: Materials in engineering 2015-02, Vol.67, p.469-482
• Main Authors: Saravanan, I., Elaya Perumal, A., Vettivel, S.C., Selvakumar, N., Baradeswaran, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Austenitic stainless steels; Biocompatibility; Cathodic arc deposition; Coating; Coefficient of friction; Deposition; Hardness; Heat resistant steels; Response Surface Methodology; Sliding; Surgical implants; Titanium base alloys; Titanium nitride; Wear
• ISSN: 0261-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2014.10.051

[Display omitted] •The hardness was increased nine times greater than uncoated steel surface.•Higher sliding speed influenced the friction and wear rate.•The test parameters for minimum wear rate were effectively optimized. Titanium nitride (TiN) is a hard ceramic biocompatible material, which is deposited over stainless steel (SS) 316L to improve the mechanical and wear properties when sliding against Ti–6Al–4V alloy for artificial hip joints. Arc deposited TiN coating thickness was measured, using an optical microscope. The surface hardness of the TiN coated surface has been improved 9 times more than that of the uncoated steel surface. The crystallography of the coated surface was examined by the X-ray diffraction analysis, and the topography of the coated surface was inspected, using the Atomic Force Microscope. The wear test was conducted, using the ball-on-disc, with the varying parameters of the applied load (2–6N), sliding velocity (0.25–0.75m/s) and sliding distance (500–1500m). The Worn surface of the coated and uncoated sample was studied, using the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope. It was concluded that the presence of TiN coating on the SS 316L surface exhibits superior wear resistance and coefficient of friction. The optimum parameters of wear and friction were identified, using Response Surface Methodology, and some useful conclusions were made.