In this study, the tribological characteristics of TiN, AlTiN, and AlTiCrN coatings sliding against a SUS420J1 stainless steel pin were investigated in atmospheric and vacuum environments. The coatings were deposited on SUS440C substrates using the arc-physical vapor deposition technique. The friction and wear behavior of the coatings were evaluated based on the systematic analyses of the friction coefficient data as well as the physical and chemical state of the wear track. The results revealed that the friction coefficients of the SUS440C specimen and AlTiCrN coatings increased, whereas those of the TiN and AlTiN coatings decreased when the environment was changed from atmospheric to vacuum. It was confirmed that the formation of an oxide layer and adsorption of oxides on the surface were dominant factors that influenced the tribological behavior in the atmospheric environment. On the other hand, the compatibility, oxidation inhibition, and droplets of the surface mainly affected the frictional characteristics in the vacuum environment. The results of this work are expected to aid in the selection of proper coating materials for tribological systems operating in a vacuum.

在本研究中，研究了在大气和真空环境中 TiN、AlTiN 和 AlTiCrN 涂层在 SUS420J1 不锈钢销上滑动的摩擦学特性。使用电弧物理气相沉积技术将涂层沉积在 SUS440C 基材上。基于对摩擦系数数据以及磨损轨迹的物理和化学状态的系统分析，评估了涂层的摩擦磨损行为。结果表明，当环境从大气变为真空时，SUS440C试样和AlTiCrN涂层的摩擦系数增加，而TiN和AlTiN涂层的摩擦系数减小。经证实，氧化层的形成和表面氧化物的吸附是影响大气环境中摩擦学行为的主导因素。另一方面，表面的相容性、氧化抑制性和液滴主要影响真空环境下的摩擦特性。这项工作的结果预计将有助于为真空中运行的摩擦系统选择合适的涂层材料。