The effect of CaF2 and BaF2 solid lubricants on wear resistance of laserborided 100CrMnSi6-4 bearing steel

Purpose: In this paper, laser alloying with boron and solid lubricants was used in order to produce the self-lubricating layer on 100CrMnSi6-4 bearing steel. The influence of CaF2 and BaF2 on microstructure, hardness, chemical and phase composition as well as wear resistance of the layers was studied. Design/methodology/approach: The two-step process was used during laser alloying. First, the surface of the specimen was coated by a paste with alloying material. The alloying material consisted of the mixture of amorphous boron and self-lubricating additions (CaF2 and BaF2). Next, the surface was re-melted by a laser beam using TRUMPF TLF 2600 Turbo CO2 laser. The laser beam power 1.43 kW was used for laser alloying. The layer was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, microhardness tester. The dry sliding wear behaviour of the layer was investigated using the Amsler type wear test. Findings: The tribofilm, consisting of solid lubricants, was observed on the worn surfaces of laser-alloyed layers. It caused an increase in the wear resistance at room temperature. The presence of calcium fluoride and barium fluoride was confirmed in laser-alloyed layers using XRD and X-ray microanalysis by EDS method. Practical implications: Laser surface modification with solid lubricants had the important cognitive significance and gives grounds to the practical employment of this technology for reducing the abrasive wear. Originality/value: The wear mechanism of surface layer with solid lubricants was determined. The produced layer with laser alloying layers of boron and solid lubricant (CaF2 or BaF2) was compared.