Structure and properties of PVD TiAlN and TiAlN/CrAlN coated Ti(C, N)-based cermets

Ti(C, N)-based cermets were coated with TiAlN and TiAlN/CrAlN films by physical vapor deposition. The cross-sectional morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the adhesive strength was evaluated by the scratch test. Cutting tests on the coated cermets were conducted on the different cutting conditions. The cutting performance and wear mechanism were analyzed with SEM and EDS. It is found that TiAlN coating has a better adhesion to the cermet substrate. The coated cermet inserts show better wear resistance than the uncoated ones. By contrast, the TiAlN coating suffers a slight abrasive flank wear. However, the TiAlN/CrAlN coating show more severe adhesive flank wear because of the Cr interdiffusion between the inserts and the workpiece. In addition, TiAlN coating is weak in resisting against oxidation wear, while the TiAlN/CrAlN coating has an excellent resistance to oxidation.