In collaboration with the Institute of Materials Science (IW), the Institute of Machine Design and Tribology (IMKT) has published a follow-up study on molybdenum-based solid lubricant systems.
The new paper entitled “Tribo-Oxidative Protection and Transfer Mechanisms of Molybdenum-Based PVD Coatings” was authored by Dennis Konopka, Ricardo Crespo Martins, Kai Möhwald, Gerhard Poll, and Max Marian and published in Tribology Transactions.
The study focuses on molybdenum-based PVD coatings on rolling bearing steel and on the mechanisms of tribofilm formation under dry contact conditions. By applying high-resolution analytical methods, particularly FIB lamella preparation and cross-sectional analysis, new insights were obtained into the structure, composition, and protective effect of the reaction layers formed during sliding.
The results show that a stable tribo-oxidative MoOx film is formed, which protects both contact partners against abrasive wear through material transfer and self-regenerating mechanisms. The collaboration with IW was essential in enabling these nanoscale insights into tribofilm formation.
