Interface engineering for the TiC/TiSiCN system: impact of the bilayer number on mechanical and tribological behavior
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article presents a detailed study of the structural, tribo-mechanical properties of an innovate [TiC/TiSiCN] multilayer coating. Structural results showed that the TiSiCN layer has a nanocomposite structure, with nanocrystals (nc-TiSiCN) embedded in an amorphous matrix (a-SiCN), which couple with the crystalline TiC layer, forms a coherent and stable multilayer structure. Mechanical and tribological properties improved substantially with increasing bilayer number; hardness increased from ~ 12 GPa ( n = 1) to ~ 45 GPa ( n = 70), representing a 275% enhancement; the friction coefficient decrease from 0.35 to 0.15 (57% reduction); the wear rate dropped from ~ 8.5 × 10–6 mm 3 /Nm (86% improvement); and the critical adhesive load (Lc2) rose from 28.4 N to 46.3 N (63% increase). These enhancements result from a higher interface density, which restricts dislocation propagation and mobility, increasing resistance to plastic deformation. This system offers optimal protection for engineering devices exposed to extreme friction, temperature and mechanical loads.
Authors: C. H. Ortiz, E. Hernandez-Renjifo, H. D. Colorado, A. J. Guerrero-Torrenegra, J. C. Caicedo
Institutions: Universidad Santiago de Cali, Universidad del Valle
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,590
OpenAlex ID: W7203692065
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: