Determining the Tribological Properties of Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings Lubricated with Biodegradable Cutting Fluids

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the biodegradable cutting fluid used instead of classical, usually toxic. This paper presents the results of tribological studies of a-C:H coatings formed on HS6-5-2C steel by plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition. The coating structures were examined using a JSM-7100F SEM. The coating microhardness was measured with a Matsuzawa tester. The surface texture analysis was performed before and after the tribological tests with a Talysurf CCI Lite optical profiler. The tribological properties were investigated using a T-01 M tester and a T-17 tester. The tests were carried out under dry friction conditions and lubricated friction conditions using a lubricant with zinc aspartate. The test results show that the layer formed at the interface prevented the moving surfaces. The investigations discussed in this paper have contributed to the development of non-toxic and environmentally-friendly manufacturing because of the use of biodegradable cutting fluid and thin, hard coatings.

Keywords

• biodegradable cutting fluid
• diamond-like carbon
• friction
• wear