Tribological analysis of TiN film during run-in period: An in situ investigation under controlled environment in eSEM

Most of the conventional tribological studies are performed through long duration tests, which therefore often neglect the run-in period. To highlight these early stages of damaging, which may present a predominant role on the global wear, a custom-built dedicated mini-tribometer in a linear reciprocating configuration was designed and is presented in the paper. The tribometer is developed to be implemented into an environmental SEM, in which the atmosphere is controlled. As a proof-of-concept, a well-known model system steel-hard TiN coating is used for two different atmospheres: vacuum and humid environments. The adopted small-scale and in situ approach has led to the validation of the mini-tribometer. Through this combined strategy, some scenarios of materials degradation are suggested in light of the interface nature involved in the contact. In this sense, the role of the environment is pointed out, and explained.