Influence of substrate bias on the scratch, wear and indentation response of TiSiN nanocomposite coatings
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62) › 21_Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
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Detail(s)
Original language | English |
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Article number | 127687 |
Journal / Publication | Surface and Coatings Technology |
Volume | 425 |
Online published | 10 Sep 2021 |
Publication status | Published - 15 Nov 2021 |
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Abstract
TiSiN coatings were synthesised onto AISI M42 tool steel substrates via closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering ion plating, using bias voltages of −40 and −50 V. The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying deformation mechanisms of TiSiN coatings, prepared at two different substrate bias voltages, following scratching, wear and indentation tests. A graded columnar microstructure evolved in these coatings. A hardness value of ~30.2 GPa was determined in the coating prepared at the lower bias voltage (i.e., −40 V), which was correlated to the fine nanocomposite structure and the presence of a high compressive residual stress. Of note, for the coating deposited at −40 V enhanced scratch adhesion strength, i.e., higher critical loads (Lc1 and Lc2) against cohesive and adhesive failure were determined with the higher H/Er and H3/Er2 values. The improved scratch resistance was ascribed to the hierarchical structure that hindered crack propagation in the TiSiN coatings during progressive loading. An approximately 21% decrease in wear rate was obtained at the lower bias voltage, which was attributed to the slightly lower Si concentration (~8.3 at.%) and, in turn, higher hardness. Deformation behaviour under indentation loading was dominated by shear sliding along the columnar grain boundaries.
Research Area(s)
- Indentation response, Mechanical response, Microstructure, Scratch behaviour, TiSiN coating, Tribological performance
Citation Format(s)
Influence of substrate bias on the scratch, wear and indentation response of TiSiN nanocomposite coatings. / Akhter, Rumana; Zhou, Zhifeng; Xie, Zonghan et al.
In: Surface and Coatings Technology, Vol. 425, 127687, 15.11.2021.Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62) › 21_Publication in refereed journal › peer-review