Enhancement of Tribological Behavior of Rotating Bearings Using Advanced Ceramic Compounds via Thermal Spray Techniques

Authors

• Amjid Shihab Abdul Jaleel, Researcher, Islamic Azad University, Islamic Republic of IranFollow

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Rotating machines constitute the main part of the most important industrial sectors in Iraq such as oil and gas production, power generation, and manufacturing. The harsh operating conditions however, in the form of high temperatures, corrosive agents and abrasive particulates are causes of premature failure of crucial components such as journal bearings. This study examines the improvement of tribological characteristics of normal steel journal bearings using superior ceramic coating using thermal spray. In particular, atmospheric plasma spray (APS) was used to deposit Alumina-Titania (Al₂O₃–TiO₂) and Zirconia (ZrO₂)coating on A106 Grade B carbon steel substrates. This study consisted of the full characterization of the coated surfaces, which included analysis of their microstructure using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the microhardness analysis, and the thickness of the coating. A pin on disc tribometer was used to assess the tribological performance under lubricated conditions that replicated the industrial service. The findings reveal that there is a high positive change in the performance of the coated bearings compared to those that are uncoated. The ceramic finishes provided a significant enhancement in the surface hardness, which was of the order of 1000 HV, as opposed to about 180 HV of the substrate. It resulted in the significant decrease in the rates of wear and the coefficient of friction. The coating of Al₂O₃–TiO₂, especially, was found to be better wear resistant and with constant and low friction coefficient. This paper confirms that thermal spray ceramic coating would provide a feasible and economical answer in the lifespan of rotating bearings and enhancing the dependability of the rotating bearings in the harsh industrial environment in Iraq thus lowering the cost of maintenance services and operational failure.

Keywords

Tribology, Ceramic coatings, Thermal spray, Journal bearings, Wear resistance, Iraqi industry, Rotating machinery

Recommended Citation

Jaleel, Amjid Shihab Abdul (2026) "Enhancement of Tribological Behavior of Rotating Bearings Using Advanced Ceramic Compounds via Thermal Spray Techniques," Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences: Vol. 8: Iss. 13, Article 17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70080/2790-7732.1104