Surface Modification of 316L Stainless Steelby Pulsed Electrodeposition of MoS₂ Coatings in Magnetic Field

The surfaces of 316 L stainless steel,an architectural decoration material,were modified with MoS₂ coatings synthesized by pulsed electrodeposition in magnetic(M-) field.The influence of the magnetic field directions on the microstructures and tribological behavior was investigated with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.The preliminary results show that the M-field,normal or parallel to the substrate,had a major impact.Specifically,the M-field significantly improved the tribological properties of the MoS₂ coatings;a normal M-field produced the more compact MoS₂-coating,comprising smaller grains and stepped defects and having a hardness of 364 HV;whereas the parallel M-field synthesized the flatter MoS₍2 )coating,consisting of more uniform grains and exhibiting a hardness of 341 HV and a stronger wear-resistance.The abrasive wear was responsible for the wear mechanism of MoS₂ coatings,deposited both in the normal and/or parallel M-fields.