The study on the properties of TiCxN1-x coatings processed by cathodic arc physical vapour deposition

Titanium carbonitride (TiCN) is a popular hard coating for carbide cutting tools in various applications. The properties of TiCN are within its composition and can be controlled by maintaining the C-N ratio within the coating to a certain level. This paper studied the influence of carbon content and coating composition within TiCxN1-x coatings with regard to their mechanical properties. The substrate used was tungsten carbide (WC-6Co), which was prepared in-house through a powder metallurgy process, while the TiCxN1-x coatings were deposited in-house using cathodic arc physical vapour deposition (CAPVD). TiCxN1-x coatings improved the mechanical properties of carbide inserts. An increase in carbon content within TiCxN1-x coatings improved surface lubricity, reduced coefficient of friction, improved surface microhardness and increased Young's modulus, but reduced thermal conductivity of carbide inserts. The colour of TiCxN1-x coatings also changed with carbon content.