M. Pancielejko

Microstructure and tribological properties of PVD coatings deposited on the X40CrMoV5-1 steel substrate

This paper presents the investigation results on the microstructure and tribological properties of the AlCrSiN, AlTiCrN and CrN coatings deposited by cathodic arc evaporation method with additional thin low-friction DLC layer on the X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel substrate. As a result of the performed investigations it was found that the coatings reveals a compact structure, without any visible delamination or defects. The morphology of the coating fractures is characterised by a dense structure. Tribological tests were performed in sliding friction conditions using the ball-on-disk method, where a ceramic Al2O3 ball was used as the counterpart. The dry friction coefficient and wear rate of coatings kvc and counterpart kvb were determined. In sliding dry friction conditions, after the break-in time, the friction coefficient for the investigated elements is set in the range between 0.03–0.06 depending on the coating type. The investigated coatings reveals high wear resistance.

Structure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of PVD gradient coatings deposited onto the X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel substrate

This paper presents research results on the structure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of TiAlN, TiCN and AlSiCrN gradient coatings deposited by PVD methods on the X40CrMoV5-1 steel substrate. The coatings demonstrated columnar structure as well as good adhesion to the substrate, the latter not only being the effect of adhesion but also by the transition zone between the coating and the substrate, developed as a result of diffusion and high-energy ion action that caused mixing of the elements in the interface zone. The critical load LC2 lies within the range of 46-59 N, depending on the coating type.