Friction and wear comparison tests on different surface coatings and shapes

This study describes an experimental comparison of the tribological behavior of three coatings for advanced applications. In particular, couplings of steel with coatings in cast and electroplated bronze, and in WC/C were tested by means of a reciprocating apparatus and a pin-on-disc test rig. Different sliding velocities were applied and the dynamic coefficient of friction estimated. Additionally, comparative evaluations of the wear behavior were carried out. The results pointed out a better performance of the WC-C coating compared to the others, showing both a lower coefficient of friction and lower wear, under almost all tested conditions.