Tribological study of TiN monolayer and TiN/CrN (multilayer and superlattice) on Co–Cr alloy

Abstract The wear performance of the Co–Cr alloys used for total joint replacement is a critical variable for the success of the implant. In order to add information in this field, the effect of superlattice coatings on wear response was investigated. In this work, TiN/CrN superlattices produced alternating TiN and CrN layers of nanometer-scale, were deposited by the means of reactive magnetron sputtering technique using two types of disc substrates: cast Co–Cr (ASTM F75) and cast Co–Cr+1 wt% B alloys. As the first attempt, a simple ball-on-disc tribological configuration was performed using Ringer׳s solution and Al 2 O 3 balls. In addition, scratch testing, optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to elucidate on the wear mechanisms involved. Adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms were found on the wear track. Co–Cr+1 wt% B showed massive secondary phases precipitation which increases the adherence resistance in the interface between the system coating and the substrate improving slightly the wear response.