Abstract
Using the micro-scratch technique, the tribological behavior of ZrCuAlNi metallic-glass coatings on 316L stainless steel was studied. With the application of ramping normal loads, the critical normal loads of about 110 mN were determined, at which the coefficient of friction increased sharply and the indenter penetration depth exceeded the film thickness. No clear evidence of coating debonding has been found, which, together with the observation of multiple shear bands, indicates good adhesion and ductility of the metallic-glass coating. When subjected to constant normal loads, the coefficient of friction increased rapidly once the critical normal load was passed. The scratch results and the scanning-electron microscopy observations indicated good adhesion between the coating and the substrate, which may be due to the good interfacial bonding and low coating residual stress.
