Improving tribological behavior of titanium nitride (TiN) hard coatings via zirconium (Zr) or vanadium (V) doping

Abstract

This research expounds on the influence of zirconium (Zr) or vanadium (V) doping on titanium nitride (TiN) coatings deposited via magnetron sputtering technique. The study focuses on microstructure analysis, tribological properties, and the implications of these doping. Previous research has shown that doping can modify the microstructure, coating substrate adhesion, friction, and wear resistance of TiN coatings. However, further investigation is required to understand the specific effects of doping levels and the underlying mechanisms. This study addresses the need to enhance TiN coating performance by exploring the potential of Zr and V doping. It fills a gap in knowledge by examining the influence of specific doping levels on coating properties and contributes to resolving disputes in the literature. Analytical methods, including GI-X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, were used to analyze the coatings microstructure, morphology, chemical composition, phase composition, and roughness. The findings reveal that Zr-doped TiZrN coatings outperform TiVN and TiN coatings in terms of mechanical and tribological properties. TiZrN coatings exhibit higher texture coefficients, elastic modulus, and hardness. Moreover, Zr or V doping enhances the anti-wear properties of the coatings, shifting the dominant wear mechanism from adhesive to abrasive. The implications of this research are significant for industries seeking improved wear resistance and durability in coatings. This study expands knowledge on the microstructural and tribological characteristics of doped TiN coatings, contributing to advancements in the field.