Instrumental Indentation for Examining the Properties of Secondary Structures of Metals and Coatings

Abstract

The structure and properties of the surface layers of metals and coatings in the initial state and after friction contact are examined. Substantial increase in the hardness of surface layers after friction is mainly associated with the formation of nanostructure due to shear strains. Deformation does not noticeably change the properties of surface layers when the nanostructure has been formed in the initial material. The relationship is established between the wear resistance and the following properties of the initial coatings and secondary structures: plasticity, stress relaxation coefficient, and their structural component.