arc-PVD Method Research Articles

Effect of carbon content on resistance to cavitation erosion of Cr-C coatings deposited by Arc PVD method

The aim of the study is a comparative analysis of effect of the carbon content in the range from 2 to 25 at.% on the resistance to cavitation erosion of Cr-C coated samples by means of the rotating disk method. The effect of carbon concentration in the range from 2 to 25 at % on the structure, properties and cavitation resistance of Cr-C vacuum-arc coatings deposited in argon with toluene at a pressure of 0.08 to 0.23 Pa on 12Cr18Ni10Ti stainless steel samples has been studied. It has been established that the application of coatings leads to a decrease in the rate of cavitation erosion of steel from 4 to 6 times. Chromium coatings with a two-phase structure containing carbide Cp7C3 show maximum durability.

The influence of Ni on the composition, structure and properties of Ti-Cr-N coatings

The influence of nickel on the structure and properties of Ti-Cr-N ion-plasma coatings obtained by arc-PVD method has been studied. With a nickel content of up to 11.9 at. %, the coating consists of Cr2N, Ti1 – xCrxN, and metallic Ni. Upon further increase in Ni concentration in the coating, intermetallic compound Ni3Ti is formed. The structure of the coatings was studied using the transmission electron microscopy. The coatings of Ti-Cr-N system are characterized by a columnar structure, in the columns of which Ti1 - xCrxN and Ti1 - yCryN (x > y) sublayers, being several nanometers thick and containing variable concentration of titanium and chromium, as well as Cr2N sublayers of about 25 nm are formed due to the complete solubility of TiN and Cr2N and the planetary rotation of the substrates, resulting in layer-by-layer stacking of the components of the evaporated cathodes. This structure remains intact in coatings of Ti-Cr-N-Ni system with a low nickel concentration (on the order of tenths of at. %). However, upon that, the column size refinement and an increase in biaxial compressive stresses from 6.7 to 9.7 GPa are observed, which results in an increase in hardness from 30 to 42 GPa. The coatings with a high nickel content are characterized by a multilayer architecture with an equiaxed polycrystalline structure of nanograins in layers. As Ni concentration increases, the hardness of the coating decreases to 16.7 GPa, which is associated with an increase in the fraction of relatively soft nickel in the coating and a decrease in macrostresses to -0.6 GPa. Upon that, the wear intensity increases from 3·10-15 to 5·10-15 m3/(N·m). The studied coatings of Ti–Cr–N and Ti–Cr–N–Ni systems are resistant to adhesive and cohesive destruction. With an increase in the nickel content upon measuring scratching, the destruction of the coatings occurs exclusively due to the plastic deformation.

On the effect of Cr/CrN nanolayered coating deposited by Arc-PVD method on axial fretting fatigue behavior of Al7075-T6 alloy

The influence of Cr/CrN nanolayered coating deposited by Arc-PVD technique and re-heat treatment on fretting fatigue behavior of Al7075-T6 alloy was investigated. It has been demonstrated that a single Cr/CrN coating deposition at 300 °C is more efficient than both coating deposition at a lower temperature (150 °C) and duplex surface treatment. The latter includes coating deposition at 300 °C and re-heat treatment. The most increase for fretting fatigue life was around 200 % and was obtained for the lowest axial stress of 130 MPa which corresponds to high cycle fatigue regime (HCF). However, in low cycle fatigue regime (LCF), the fretting fatigue life of the coated specimens reduced significantly in comparison to the as-received samples by 60 % at most. Re-heat treatment after the Cr/CrN coating deposition at 300 °C improved the fretting fatigue life of samples in LCF regime by 33 % for the highest axial stress of 260 MPa. In HCF regime, however, the increase in the fretting fatigue life of re-heat treated coated samples was no more than 121 %, which was achieved for 130 MPa axial stress. This was around half of the maximum life improvement achieved for the single coated specimen at 300 °C.

Đặc tính cơ học của các lớp phủ AlTiN, TiAlN lắng đọng bằng phương pháp hồ quang cathode (ARC-PVD) trên nền thép không gỉ SUS304

The aim of the paper was to investigate the mechanical properties of AlTiN, TiAlN coatings deposited by the arc-PVD method on SUS304 stainless steel substrate. The coating's surface morphology and structure were examined using a profilometer, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Adhesion of the deposited coatings was determined by the Rockwell test. The sliding wear resistance of AlTiN and TiAlN was much higher than that of the stainless steel sample. The deposition of PVD film on a stainless steel substrate reduces the coefficient of friction by 3-6 times. The sliding wear mechanism of AlTiN and TiAlN coatings was different, AlTiN - the vertices of the coating were obtused, grooved, and scratched along the wear, with less material displacement in both directions along the wear trace; TiAlN - the coating was strongly plowed, the material was worn and forced in both directions of the sliding wear trace.

Investigations of CrN+Cr2O3/TiO2 coatings obtained in a PVD/ALD hybrid method on austenitic 316L steel substrate

The study investigated hybrid coatings CrN + Cr2O3/TiO2 type obtained using the hybrid PVD/ALD technology on a substrate made of Cr-Ni-Mo (316L) stainless steel. Coating of CrN + Cr2O3 was obtained by the Arc-PVD method. TiO2 using atomic layers deposition was investigated. It were deposited at a variable number of cycles from 200 to 1000 cycles at a constant temperature of 200 °C. Structural studies using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were performed. The chemical composition analysis in the micro-regions was performed using EDS. The study of electrochemical properties was performed using potentiodynamic method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a 3.5% NaCl solution. As a result of the study, it was found that the best electrochemical properties were shown by hybrid coatings for which the TiO2 layer was obtained in 500 ALD cycles. Based on microscopic studies with diffraction and spectroscopic analysis, the structure of the tested coatings was related to electrochemical properties, and the influence of deposition conditions on corrosion resistance was explained. In addition, the tests were supplemented with tests of tribological properties and adhesion of coatings to the substrate.

Effect of Bilayer Thickness and Bias Potential on the Structure and Properties of (TiZr/Nb)N Multilayer Coatings as a Result of Arc-PVD Deposition.

This work is devoted to the study of the formation of nanostructured multilayer coatings (TiZr/Nb)N on the surface of an AISI 321 steel substrate depending on the deposition parameters of the Arc-PVD method. The results of the X-ray diffraction analysis showed the formation of solid solution (TiNb)N and ZrN in the multilayer coatings with an FCC structure, ε-NbN with a hexagonal structure, as well as with a small volume fraction of the ε-Ti2N and β-Nb2N phase. On the basis of phase composition data, it is possible to assume that an increase in the number of bilayers leads to a decrease in the nitrogen concentration in the bilayers and, consequently, to a decrease in the volume fraction of ε-NbN and β-Nb2N nitrides. In all investigated systems obtained at -100 V and -200 V bias potentials, ε-NbN is the main phase. The study of the element distribution over the thickness of the (TiZr/Nb)N coating confirms the results of the X-ray diffraction analysis. The use of the structure model in the form of alternating layers allows for significantly improving the adhesion characteristics of the protective coating, as well as ensuring their high hardness. Based on the experimental results, it is possible to analyze changes in the mechanical and tribological properties of multilayer coatings depending on the number of applied bilayers. The results of the study of the elastic modulus and hardness of multilayer coatings (TiZrNb)N with different numbers of bilayers showed that a large number of bilayers (small thickness of each individual layer) shows the lowest value of hardness. It is assumed that as the bilayer thickness decreases, the coating characteristics are closer to the monolayer alloy than to the multilayer structure.

Development of hydrophilic NbCuSi(N) &TiAlNb(N) coatings as a new strategy for medical implants modification

Herein we report the results of multi-element nitride and intermetallic coatings obtained by the arc-PVD method based on non-trivial elements combinations (Nb - 75.5, Si - 9.65, Cu - 14.85 at% and Ti - 81.8, Nb - 11.8, Al - 6.4 at%). Our experiments examine the development and evolution of biocompatible coatings for metal implants and medical devices. The elemental composition of the surface, microstructure, contact angle and biocompatibility of the coatings were studied. XRD results demonstrated that in the intermetallic TiAlNb samples, a multiphase state is formed between γ-TiAl, TiAl2, and α-Nb5Si3, since only a small part of Nb atoms occupy the same lattice sites as Ti atoms, which leads to the formation of a competing phase α-Nb5Si3. The NbCuSi coatings predominantly consist of Nbss with inclusions of silicon silicide. The human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were used for biocompatibility assessment using resazurin reduction assay and fluorescent DAPI staining. We show the high biocompatibility and ability to stimulate cell proliferation and distribution over the intermetallic coatings, especially when compared to nitrides ones. Although intermetallic coatings exhibit a higher surface contact angle due to uneven morphology, all samples exhibit hydrophilic properties, which favourably affect cell adhesion and proliferation.

Thermal stability and electrochemical behavior of nanostructured Ti-Al(∼1%(at.))-Mo-N coatings deposited using the Arc-PVD method

The results of studying the electrochemical behavior and thermal stability of multilayered nanostructured Ti-Al-Mo-N coatings deposited using the Arc-PVD method are reported. The paper shows that passivity of the coatings is determined by the possibility of the formation of Al2O3 layer at the interface between the aggressive environment and the coating. This effect is more marked for the coatings containing 8 at% Mo than in those containing 30 at% of Mo. It can be explained by higher mobility of Al in the coating with 8 % (at.) of Mo than in the coating with 30 % of Mo which have varied thickness of the Mo2N layer that inhibits the diffusion of Al. Investigation of thermal stability of the Ti-Al-Mo-N coatings with Mo content of 30 and 8 at% showed that their multilayered architecture are retained at temperatures up to 600 °C.

Preparation and Characterization of the Cr-Nanodiamonds/MoN Coatings with Performant Mechanical Properties

This paper presents the results of a study on the preparation and characterization of a Cr-DND/MoN detonation chromium-nanodiamond coating deposited on cemented tungsten carbide (WC–3 wt.% Co) mill blades using Arc-PVD and electrodeposition methods. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), XRD analysis, Raman spectroscopy, micro-identification, and scratch test (evaluation of the coating adhesion). It was shown that the Cr-DND/MoN coating consists of successive layers of Cr-DND (top), Cu (middle) and MoN (bottom) with separate phases of γ-Mo2N, α-Mo, α-Cu, Cr-DND and nanodiamonds. The Cr-DND composite electrochemical coating (CEC) was deposited from the conventional chromium plating electrolyte with the addition of nanodiamonds. The copper interlayer was deposited by the Arc-PVD method on the surface of the MoN coating to improve the adhesion strength of the Cr-DND CEC. The coating showed an optimum microhardness of about 14 ± 1 GPa and good adhesion with a critical load Lc of about 93 N. In addition to the expected experimental results, the coating has high wear resistance, confirmed by scratch tests.

Hardening ion plasma coatings (Ti, Alx)N (x = 3 at. %) for carbide cutting tools

Coatings (Ti, Al0,03)N and comparison samples – coatings (Ti, Al0,25)N and TiN are formed by the arc-PVD method on the WC-Co carbide alloy. The phase composition, the substructure characteristics and the mechanical properties of the coatings were investigated. The addition of Al and its increase in the coating composition is accompanied by a decrease in the value of the lattice parameter, refinement of the coatings subgrain structure and an increase in both microstrains and macrostresses. At the same time, the hardness of the coatings and the values of the parameters H3/E2 and H/E increase with a decrease in the relative work of plastic deformation of the samples, which is a characteristic of their viscosity. Durability tests were carried out using a cutting tools with the investigated coatings showed the advantage of the (Ti,Al0.25)N coating in continuous turning operations. The (Ti,Al0.03)N coating is characterized by increased resistance compared to other tested coatings in milling operations and compared to TiN coating in continuous cutting.

The Effect of the Metal Phase on the Compressive and Tensile Stresses Reduction in the Superhard Nitride Coatings

The influence of the compressive and tensile stresses forming in the nanostructured Ti–Al–N coatings during deposition on their physical-mechanical properties was studied. The modifying influence of metal components (Ni and Cu) introduction into Ti–Al–N coatings, which do not interact with nitrogen and have limited solubility with the nitride phase, was also under research. Coatings were deposited on WC–(6 wt.%)Co carbide cutting inserts with an arc-PVD method using a cathodic vacuum arc evaporation apparatus. The introduction of Ni and Cu to the composition leads to the reduction of nitride phases grain size in both investigated coatings from 120 to 10–12 nm for Ti–Al–Cu–N and to 15–18 nm for Ti–Al–Ni–N. Thus, the hardness increases from 29 to 43 and 51 GPa for the mentioned above coatings, respectively. Meanwhile, Ti–Al–Cu–N and Ti–Al–Ni–N coatings are characterized by tensile stresses about 0.12–0.32 MPa against the much higher value of compressive stresses in Ti–Al–N coatings (4.29–5.31 GPa). The modification of Ti–Al–N coatings also leads to the changing of their destruction mechanism during the scratch-test. The critical loads characterizing the emergence of the first cracks in the coatings and complete abrasion of the coating (Lc1 and Lc3) were determined. They had the value of 20; 22 N (Lc1) and 64; 57 N (Lc3) for Ti–Al–Ni–N; Ti–Al–Cu–N coatings, respectively. The Lc1 parameter for Ti–Al–N coatings was much lower and was equal to 11 N. Along with those, Ti–Al–N coatings destructed according to the adhesion mechanism when the critical load was 35 N. In addition, the decreasing level of compressive stresses in Ti–Al–Cu–N and Ti–Al–Ni–N coatings as compared to that in the Ti–Al–N coating, their crack resistance during multi-cycle shock-dynamic impact test was significantly higher. The results can indicate that high hardness and crack resistance of the coatings is to a greater extent determined by coatings nanostructuring, not the stresses value. In addition, it confirms the possibility to obtain coatings with low stresses value while maintaining their superhardness.

Nickel effect on the structure and properties of adaptive wear-resistant arc-PVD Ti–Al–Mo–N coatings

Comparative studies of the structural characteristics and functional properties of Ti–Al–Mo–N and Ti–Al–Mo–Ni–N coatings obtained by the arc-PVD method were carried out in order to study the effect of nanostructuring nickel additive. The coatings featured by multilayered architecture with alternating layers of titanium and molybdenum nitrides. Molybdenum and nickel concentrations were about 22 at.% and 7 at.%, respectively, which corresponds to optimal quantities for the best strength and tribological properties. It was shown that nickel introduction reduces the coating modulation period from 60 to 30 nm with a simultaneous increase in hardness from 37 to 45 GPa. At the same time, an increase in the tensile strength of coatings was noted, which was judged by the relative plastic deformation behavior as well as H/E, H 3 /E 2 parameters. Ductile nickel added into the solid nitride coating structure led to a decrease in the level of compressive macrostresses in the material from –2.25 to –0.58 GPa, without, however, any decrease in hardness and fracture toughness that was shown by scratch tests. It is concluded that the factor determining mechanical characteristics of the coating is not the macrostressed state, but the refinement of the coating material grain structure. Nickel positively affected the coating heat resistance successfully protecting the substrate material from oxidation at temperatures up to 700°C, which may be associated with the likelihood of the formation of NiMoO 4 and NiTiO 3 nickel-containing oxides on the surface. However, their formation, fracture, and action as abrasive particles can cause a change in the friction wear mechanism at high temperatures.

TiCrN-TiAlN-TiAlSiN-TiAlSiCN multi-layers utilized to increase tillage tools useful lifetime

For the first time, a hard wear-resistant multi-layer of TiCrN-TiAlN-TiAlSiN-TiAlSiCN was deposited on carbon steel CK45-based tillage tools to increase their useful lifetime. The layers were deposited by using an arc-PVD method without post-annealing procedures. XRD and EDX data indicated that TiCrN, TiAlN, TiAlSiN, and TiAlSiCN formed individually and as a multi-layer of high-quality crystalline layers with mostly cubic structures. The studies on the multi-layers coating morphology, roughness and hardness gave reasonable results as a roughness of 35 nm and a hardness of 32.2 GPa. The coated sweep duck blade tillage tools were tested on the field along with a soil bin to obtain their wear behavior at different traveling distances. The draft force of all blades showed promising results. As the coated layers were worn off, their draft force increased. In comparison with single-layer coatings, the multi-layer structure demonstrated an increase in the useful lifetime of the blades.

A study on the corrosion resistance of ZrN/CrN multilayer nanostructured coating applied on AISI 304 stainless steel using Arc-PVD method in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution

In this research, a ZrN/CrN multilayer nanostructured coating was applied on AISI 304 stainless steel substrate using physical vapor deposition (PVD) in type of cathodic arc evaporation (CAE). The microstructure evaluation of the specimens were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Impedance spectroscopy tests were utilized to evaluate the corrosion behavior of ZrN/CrN multilayer nanostructured coating and the substrate in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Applying CAE technique, ZrN/CrN multilayer nanostructured coating having high density and adhesion was successfully made. The corrosion results revealed that ZrN/CrN multilayer nanostructured coatings had an exceptionally high polarization resistance compared to AISI 304 stainless steel substrate. Moreover, the corrosion results showed the desired corrosion behavior in the ZrN/CrN multilayer nanostructured coating towards the AISI 304 substrate within the 3.5 wt% NaCl solution due to the presence of distinct layer resulting in a barrier against penetration of the corrosive solution. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed that the surface of the ZrN/CrN multilayer coating is free of pits or any serious damage.

Comparison of the wear and corrosion behavior between CrN and AlCrN coatings deposited by Arc-PVD method

In this investigation, we studied deposition of chromium nitride (CrN) and aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coatings on the steel substrate by using cathodic arc evaporation technique (Arc-PVD). Therefore, the wear and corrosion behavior of the CrN and AlCrN coatings were compared. Applying cathodic arc evaporation at 200 °C for 90 min led to a coating with approximately 2 micrometers thickness. In order to compare the properties of CrN and AlCrN coatings, all of the Arc-PVD methods coating parameters were kept at a constant value within the deposition of coating having the duty cycle of 50 percent, bias voltage of −100 V, and the target current of 100 A. For characterizing the crystal structure and microstructure of the coatings, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were utilized. In order to evaluate the coatings adhesion and the wear behavior, Rockwell-C indenter and the pin-on-disk test were used, respectively. Moreover, a potentiodynamic polarization device was used in 3.5% NaCl solution for studying the corrosion behavior of the coatings. The results revealed that CrN coating has the lower friction coefficient but AlCrN coating showed better wear resistance. Also, CrN coating had a better corrosion resistance than AlCrN on account of the uniform surface morphology and the absence of void which protects the substrate from the corrosive medium.

Nanostructured ceramic-metal coatings obtained by ion-plasma vacuum arc method

Ceramic-metal coatings (Ti,Al)N-Cu and (Ti,Al)N-Ni were obtained by Arc-PVD method. Metal components content in the coatings was regulated by varying the ratio between the surface area of the evaporated cathodes and the arcs current evaporating them. Concentration ranges of the metal components content in coatings which ensure the formation of an isomorphous nanocrystalline structure with a grain size of 15-20 nm, have been established. These coatings are characterized by superhardness of 43-51 GPa with preservation of viscosity (relative work of plastic deformation during nanoindentation ∼65-70%). At the same time, the coatings obtained are characterized by a low level of macrostresses.

ANTIWEAR PROPERTIES OF MEDIUM-CARBON STEEL WITH Cr/CrN TYPE HYBRID COATING PRODUCED BY THE PVD METHOD

The paper presents the results of examinations of the structure, and mechanical and antiwear properties of hybrid coatings of the Cr/CrN type, consisting of chromium and chromium nitride, formed on the surface of the C45 medium-carbon steel by the Arc-PVD method. Investigations of the morphology and microstructure of hybrid coatings, as well as of their phase composition were carried out. The studies on mechanical properties included tests on hardness and Young’s modulus using the nanoindentation method. Tests on adhesion were conducted using the scratch-test. Tribological properties (linear wear) of the coatings were performed by means of taper-three rolls test. The investigations showed that the linear wear of the C45 steel samples with the Cr/CrN hybrid coatings is 7–9 times smaller than that of hardened steel samples without any coatings. This indicates the excellent tribological properties of the C45 medium-carbon steel with the Cr/CrN type hybrid coatings deposited by the Arc-PVD method.

Protection of CK45 carbon steel tillage tools using TiN coating deposited by an arc-PVD method

Titanium nitride (TiN) was coated on tillage sweep duck blades by using an arc-PVD method to increase their useful lifetime and to protect against wear. The XRD and EDX experiments indicated high-quality crystalline TiN layers. The wear resistance of the blades was examined on a loamy agricultural field. The surface roughness and wear behavior of the coated blades were also studied at different travelling distances. The draft force of both coated and uncoated blades was measured in a soil bin. The soil bin data exhibited decrement in draft force of the coated blades as distance increased. The crystalline TiN formed by the arc-PVD method showed promising resistance to wear. The coefficient of friction was measured to be 0.3 for the coated blades.

Microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of novel nanocomposite (TiAlSiY)N and nano-scale (TiAlSiY)N/MoN multifunctional heterostructures

This paper reports on the deposition and characterization of (TiAlSiY)N nanocomposite and (TiAlSiY)N/MoN nano-scale multilayer coatings obtained by means of arc-PVD method. The investigation of structural-phase composition and mechanical properties is carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped with energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nanoindentation. The microstructure of the (TiAlSiY)N nanocomposite coating shows preferential (111) growth of fcc-(Ti, Al)N grains. Multilayers coating of (TiAlSiY)N/MoN with a bilayer period of 10 nm was synthesized, showing that the fcc-MoN layer grows coherently with the fcc-(Ti,Al)N, due to the template effect of the latter, which results in a local cube on cube fcc(Ti,Al)N||fcc(MoN) epitaxial growth with (200) preferential orientation. The hardness, reduced elastic modulus, elastic strain prior to plastic deformation and resistance to plastic deformation of the nanocomposite (TiAlSiY)N coating are determined as 24.6 GPa, 243 GPa, ~0.09 and 0.29 GPa, respectively. The enhancement of the mechanical properties of the multilayer coating up to 38.37, 392.5 GPa, ~0.09 and 0.38 GPa is also observed.

Analytical estimation of fracture toughness for circumferential cracks in thin hard films on ductile substrates

AbstractIn this study, the fracture toughness of circumferential crack caused by indentation effect of a rigid indenter on a thin and elastic coating deposited on the elastic substrate was calculated. In the coating and substrate, the analytical solution of displacement and stress field was used. The complete adhesion was considered for the coating on the substrate. The location of maximum circumferential stress was investigated using the analytical calculation of the stress and it was found that this place was located at a distance away from the center of the indenter. Then, the stress intensity factor and energy release rate for plane strain state was determined, and consequently, the energy release rate for a channel crack was calculated. Finally, the fracture toughness was calculated with energy release rate curves for plane strain crack and crack channeling. This method was used to calculate the fracture toughness of TiN/TiCrN ceramic multilayer coating which was deposited on the GTD450 substrate using the Cathodic Arc PVD method. To validate the results, the analytically calculated crack radius was compared with the experimental crack radius in the fracture load and the difference between the radiuses was in the acceptable range.