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Published on: January 23, 2013
TiB2 nanostructured coating for GFRP injection moulds.
R P Martinho1, F J G Silva, R J D Alexandre
1Departamento de Engenharia da Escola Superior de Estudos Industriais e de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua D. Sancho I, 981, 4480-876 Vila do Conde, Portugal.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|July 21, 2011
Summary
A nanostructured titanium diboride (TiB2) coating significantly enhances the wear resistance of injection moulding dies. This PVD coating improves die durability in abrasive conditions, extending tool life in industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Tribology
Background:
- Injection moulding of glass fibre reinforced polypropylene causes severe abrasive wear on die materials.
- Improving the wear resistance of these dies is crucial for extending their service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a nanostructured titanium diboride (TiB2) monolayer coating for enhanced wear resistance.
- To assess the tribological performance of the TiB2 coating under laboratory and industrial conditions.
Main Methods:
- Unbalanced magnetron sputtering PVD for TiB2 coating deposition.
- Microstructure and phase analysis using SEM, AFM, and XRD.
- Scratch tests, nanoindentation, and ball-cratering tribometry for material properties and wear resistance.
- Industrial injection moulding tests with glass fibre reinforced polypropylene.
Main Results:
- The TiB2 coating exhibited excellent adhesion and mechanical properties (hardness, Young's modulus).
- Laboratory wear tests demonstrated superior micro-abrasion resistance compared to uncoated substrates.
- Industrial trials showed significant reduction in wear after 90,000 injection cycles.
Conclusions:
- Nanostructured TiB2 coatings offer a viable solution for mitigating abrasive wear in injection moulding dies.
- The PVD coating effectively enhances the durability and performance of dies used with glass fibre reinforced polymers.
