Friction and Damage Evolution of the Borided CoCrMo Alloy

In this study, friction and evolution of cohesive failures (cracks and spallations) in CoB/Co₂B layers were analyzed. Thermochemical treatment was carried out at 950, 975, and 1000 °C during 6, 8, and 10 h of exposure time, respectively. The characterization techniques include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology inspection of layers and thickness measurement, X-ray diffraction for the investigation of phases formed, and instrumented indention to obtain hardness, Young's modulus, and residual stresses. The practical adhesion of the boride layers was evaluated by a progressive load scratch test (PLST), and the critical loads of cracking, chipping, and spallation were calculated. Later, unidirectional multipass scratch tests (MPSTs) were performed by applying subcritical loads selected from the lower spallation load (54 N); these tests were conducted for a different number of scratch passes. The results show that the coefficient of friction (COF) and coating damage depend on the applied load, the number of passes, and coating thickness. In multipass scratch, the mechanical properties, residual stress state, and thickness play a significant role in the evolution of the coating damage that manifests in the form of cracks and cohesive spallations. Considering the scratch and multipass scratch results, it was found that the sample with 10 h of exposure time presents a better performance among the samples.