Abstract
This work is an approach to the application of solid-film lubricants to components requiring lubrication such as sliding or rotating surfaces. Cu/Sn bimetallic coatings were produced on steels by combining ion plating and subsequent annealing at various temperatures. The structure, morphology, hardness, friction and antigalling characteristics of the coatings were examined. The surface of coating [Rs=0.5, Rs; Ratio of Sn film thickness: (Thickness of Sn film)/(Total thickness of bilayered Sn/Cu film)] annealed below 300°C consisted of η-Cu6Sn5 phase, while annealing at 400°C, produced the ε-Cu3Sn phase on all coatings at all values of Rs, from 0.2 to 0.5. The friction coefficients of the bimetallic coatings annealed at various temperatures were much lower than Cu or Sn specimens that were as-ion-plated or uncoated. Further, coatings in the dry rubbed condition had excellent antigalling characteristics.
