ABSTRACT
In the conventional sense of the word, tribological synergistic coatings are not really coatings. These “coatings” are formed during multi-step processes that combine hardplate coating or anodizing with controlled infusion of low-friction polymer and/or dry lubricants. The “coatings” become an integral part of the top layers of the substrate rather than a surface cover. The processes that produce these “coatings” are identified as synergistic because the resulting surfaces are superior in performance to both the base metal and the individual components of the coating.
