Nano-indentation and wear-resistance behaviors of TiCN films by pulsed plasma on cemented carbide cutting tool

Titanium carbonitride (TiCN) films were deposited on cemented carbide cutting tool substrates, by pulsed high energy density plasma (PHEDP). A nano-indentation system was employed to measure the nano-harness and Young's modulus of the films prepared under various conditions. The wear behaviors of the films were also investigated. The results show that the samples are significantly hardened, compared with the substrate. And more pulse of discharges creates harder films. On the other hand, the wear-resistance of the as-deposited samples has increased by times. These results strongly suggest that PHEDP is a promising way for fabricating films with good mechanical properties.