Behaviour of heat treated Co-Cr₂O₃ electrodeposited surfaces under tribological conditions

Abstract

Surface mechanical properties could be altered if a coating with a second phase of fine tough particles is given. There is increasing demand for the wear resistant composite coatings to minimize the surface damage at elevated temperatures also. Cobalt depositions with Cr₂O₃ in the matrix have been studied for their surface performance at higher temperatures. Effect of heat treatment was studied from the view point of operating performance against abrasive wear. Surface microhardness and material loss due to rubbing abrasion after heat treatment in the range of 100 to 650 °C for a constant time are reported. The composite containing 14% by volume of Cr₂O₃ in Co film heat treated at 550 to 650 °C was found to exhibit high abrasive resistance due to the formation of a glass like layer.