Abstract
Hard coatings consisting of TiN films were deposited onto high tensile steel by ion mixing. Three laminated layers were prepared on each specimen, with variations of TiN and Ti2N phases. The effect of the laminated layers on adhesion, friction and wear behavior was studied. The investigation methods included of scratch testing, pin-on-disc wear testing, and dynamic micro-hardness measurement. The laminated layer does not significantly affect the adhesion for the hardness of the film. The unlaminated films have stronger adhesion, showing that interfacial bonding between the layers weakens the overall adhesion of the coatings. A Ti2N phase laminated layer improves the adhesion slightly when it is either the top layer or at the substrate-coating interface. The TiN and Ti2N phases have different deformation mechanisms during the scratch test. The steady-state friction coefficient does not vary significantly with sliding up to a distance of 400 meters. High sliding speeds cause more severe pin-on-disc wear.
