LAUSR

Abstract This paper explores the effects of atmosphere on the tribological behavior of MoS2 coatings deposited on the AISI304 steel using magnetron sputtering. The wear resistance and corresponding failure mechanisms were evaluated. The results show that both the friction coefficient and wear coefficient increase as the vacuum degree increases. The introduction of oxygen and H2O into the background vacuum environment significantly promotes the formation of transfer films, and results in the disorder of the crystal orientation and defect introduction in MoS2, which will strengthen the adhesive interactions between 52100 steel bearing ball and transfer films, and then leads to the prolongation of the wear life of the MoS2 coatings.