Title: Study of diffusion across PVD-coated cermet tool/workpiece interface

Authors: Mirko Sokovic

Addresses: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 6, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract: Further possibilities to improve tool performance might be found in reducing thermochemical wear, taking into account the limitations that exist when it comes to improving the mechanical properties of cutting tools, which is a result of a diffusion process. This reduction is possible if we choose a favourable combination of substrate and PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) coating where the process of diffusion wear is slowed down as much as possible or is not detrimental to the mechanical properties of the basic tool material. The diffusion-couple method was used to study the thermochemical wear of Ti(C, N)-based cermets coated with TiN (PVD) and TiZrN (PVD) coatings as a diffusion barrier. The result of the diffusion process of the element from the tool and the workpiece through the interface is a change in the composition of the boundary layers of the tool, which increases the possibility of mechanical damage of the cutting edge.

Keywords: diffusion process; PVD-coated cermet tools; tool-workpiece interface; diffusion couple; thermochemical wear; diffusion wear; tool performance; cutting tools; physical vapour deposition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2005.008154

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2005 Vol.1 No.1, pp.24 - 37

Published online: 21 Nov 2005 *

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