Mechanical and wear properties of TiN films on differently pretreated TiCN-based cermets

Abstract TiN films were deposited on mirror polished, acid pickled, sandblasted and ground TiCN-based cermets by arc evaporation simultaneously. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness test, indentation test, scratch test and wear test were used to investigate the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear performance. The results showed that the TiN films on all the pretreated cermets substrates had a dense columnar structure. The growth rate, grain size and preferred orientation degree of TiN films on TiCN-based cermets were related to the pretreatment state of the substrates. The TiN film deposited on the pickled cermets substrate grew fastest, and it was the thickest and had the lowest degree of preferred orientation. The adhesion strength between TiN films and differently pretreated TiCN-based cermets was more than 150 N. Under dry friction condition, abrasive wear was the main wear mechanism of TiN films on TiCN-based cermets. There was also some diffusion wear and oxidation wear. Owing to the high hardness, low friction coefficient and much flake ferrite compounds formed in the wear process, the TiN film on the pickled TiCN-based cermets exhibited the best wear resistance.