Tailoring structure and functional performance of cathodic arc TiSiCN coatings for wood-cutting tools via C/N gas flow control in cathodic arc deposition

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In this study 1 µm thick TiSiCN coatings, developed by cathodic arc evaporation of a TiSi target in an N 2 –C 2 H 2 reactive atmosphere, were deposited on three steel grades commonly used for wood-cutting tools. Adjusting the gas flow rates during the deposition process modified the structure and composition of the coatings, leading to the desired enhancement of their functional properties. Based on the proposed technological approach, a multi-oriented TiC/TiN crystalline microstructure was formed, with a gradual increase of (200) oriented peak upon increasing N 2 ratio, and a visible change towards (111) plane when the N 2 mass flow rate reached its maximum. The hardness was enhanced from ∼ 22 GPa up to ∼ 28 GPa, results, which are ascribed to an increase in nitrogen concentration detrimental to carbon content. Similar increasing tendency was also reported for adhesion evaluation, more pronounced when A1 alloy was used as a substrate, the highest critical load being obtained for coatings with the highest N 2 flow rate (Lc 2 =18 N). To a certain extent, the coated surfaces demonstrated a gradual improvement of corrosion resistance by decreasing the C/N ratio, successfully withstanding the environmental conditions. Based on tribocorrosion assessment, T3 and T4 coating reduced significantly the wear volume of the friction pair, more evident in the case of A1 steel (k ∼2×10 -6 mm 3 N -1 m -1 ) and the highest wear rate improvement among the tested coated tribo parts (∼96%). Validation under real working conditions further confirmed the improved performance of the optimized coating, highlighting T3 coating as the most promising candidate for enhancing wear resistance in steel components.