Two-Layer Nanocomposite TiC-Based Coatings Produced by a Combination of Pulsed Cathodic Arc Evaporation and Vacuum Electro-Spark Alloying

Abstract

A novel two-stage technology combining vacuum electro-spark alloying (VESA) and pulsed cathodic arc evaporation (PCAE) was approbated for the deposition of TiC-based coatings in inert (Ar) and reactive (C2H4) atmospheres. The deposition was carried out using a TiC-NiCr-Eu2O3 electrode and 5140 steel substrates. Structural, elemental, and phase compositions of the deposited coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties of the coatings were measured by nanoindentation using a 4 mN load. The tribological properties of the coatings were measured using the pin-on-disc setup in air and in distilled water at a 5 N load. The experimental data suggest that VESA coatings are characterized by surface defects, a hardness of 12.2 GPa, and a friction coefficient of 0.4. To ensure good adhesion between the VESA coating and the upper layer containing diamond-like carbon (DLC), an intermediate layer was deposited by PCAE in the Ar atmosphere. The intermediate layer had a hardness of up to 31 GPa. The upper layer of the coating ensured a low and stable friction coefficient of 0.2 and high wear resistance due to the formation of an sp2–sp3 bound carbon phase. Multilayer TiC-based coating with the upper DLC layer, in addition to high tribological properties, was characterized by the lowest corrosion current density (12 μA/cm2).

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings : Classification, Properties, and Applications

“…However, little recent advancement of manufacturing characteristics was also noted. The significant major part of this discussion is focused on the latest investigation of atmospheric conditions [143]. An investigation was done by using high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) for the deposition of micrometer-thick DLC coatings over Si and steel substrates [144].…”

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings: Classification, Properties, and Applications

“…The significant major part of this discussion is focused on the latest investigation of spark and arc sources, high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPMS), structure and nonlinear optical properties, and texturing. Vacuum electro-spark alloying (VESA) and pulsed cathode arc evaporation (PCAE) were investigated for the deposition of TiCbased coatings in inert (Ar) and reactive (C2H4) atmospheric conditions [143]. An investigation was done by using high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) for the deposition of micrometer-thick DLC coatings over Si and steel substrates [144].…”

Coatings Prepared by Electro-Spark Alloying with SHS Electrode Materials Based on Ti-B-Fe-AlN

“…To apply wear-resistant coatings on metal-cutting tools, the method of electro-spark alloying (ESA) has become widespread. This method makes it possible to perform multiple hardening of the tool surface, without any treatment of the tool before and after hardening [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. The method is quite simple in organizing the process of applying protective coatings, and rather simple and small-sized equipment is used when performing it.…”