Structure evolution and properties of TiAlCN/VCN coatings deposited by reactive HIPIMS

Highly abrasive AlSi9Cu1 alloy was dry machined using TiAlCN/VCN coated 25 mm diameter end mills to investigate the coating-work piece material interaction. Green (532 nm excitation) and ultraviolet (325 nm excitation) Raman spectroscopy was employed to identify the phase composition of the built up material on the cutting edge and chip (swarf) surfaces produced during machining. These analyses revealed formation of lubricious Magnèli phases namely V2O5 and graphitic carbon as well as highly abrasive SiO2 and mixed (AlSi)O thus shedding light on the wear processes and coating tribological behavior during machining.