Developing PVD zirconium-oxide coatings for use of thixoforming of steel
by Kirsten Bobzin, Erich Lugscheider, Michel Maes, Philipp Immich
International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties (IJMMP), Vol. 3, No. 2/3, 2008

Abstract: The process of semisolid metal forming with permanent moulds combines the advantages of the casting and forging process technologies. The processing of steel results in high loads on the surface of the metallic die, such as thermal, mechanical and tribological stresses. To meet this challenge, ceramic-based Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) hardcoatings are used for tool protection to guarantee high durability of the tool. The first experiments show that especially the high-temperature tetragonal zirconia phase exhibits high strength and toughness. To propose and to examine the appropriate coatings to extend the surface lifetime of the metallic moulds, zirconia coatings were synthesised using pulsed reactive magnetron sputtering. After deposition, these coatings were analysed by common thin film techniques revealing hardness, Young's modulus and x-ray diffraction measurements. The conclusion was that the examination of t-ZrO₂ showed the extraordinary potential of these thin films for use as coating for thixoforming dies.

Online publication date: Mon, 16-Jun-2008

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties (IJMMP):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com