Mechanisms of friction of bicomponent coatings of thermodynamically incompatible metals produced using vapor condensation on cryogenic surfaces

Abstract

Comparative tribotests of bicomponent Al–Pb and Al–Sn coatings produced using the codeposition of the metals from the vapor phase on glass substrates having room temperature and cooled to–100°С have been carried out. It has been found that changes in the mechanisms of the friction of the cryogenic coatings are related to conditions of their condensation. If the dimensions of the structure units of the coatings are similar, the tribological characteristics of these coatings are inversely proportional to the strength and the adhesion of their components. The most fusible metals are recommended for use as the solid-lubricating component of the coatings, since they have lower strength and surface energy.