Electrically conductive nanocomposite films deposition and electrical discharge machining of ceramic surfaces to generate functional microtextures

Abstract

This paper discusses a new complex approach and an example of its practical application to solve the problem of improving the precision ceramics products and parts operational performance (ensuring high operational stability). The proposed approach consists of forming micro-texture in a ceramic product surface layer through vacuum-plasma deposition of conductive nanocomposite coatings based on a multicomponent thermally stable nitrides Ti-Al-Cr system as an auxiliary electrode in electrical discharge machining such as forming a specific microtexture in the surface layer, e.g., a combination of cavities, grooves, etc. This approach considerably improves the ceramic product surface layer characteristics, reduces contact surfaces' "ceramic product – counter face" adhesion and friction intensity, and ensures increased wear resistance and ceramic product operability.