Microstructure and friction-wear performances of cathodic arc ion plated TiAlSiCN coatings on YT14 cemented carbide cutting tools

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a TiAlSiCN coating with high bonding and hardness, ultra-low friction and good lubrication characteristics, which provided an experimental basis for the surface modification of YT14 cemented carbide cutting tools. Design/methodology/approach In this work, a TiAlSiCN coating was deposited on YT14 cemented carbide cutting tool through cathodic arc ion plating. The surface-interface morphologies, distributions of chemical elements, phases, bonding energy and surface roughness were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, respectively, and the coating the bonding strength were quantitatively characterized with a scratch. Findings The average COFs of the TiAlSiCN coating at 700°C, 800°C and 900°C were 0.68, 0.57 and 0.38, respectively, showing that the TiAlSiCN coating was an effective lubricant at a high temperature, and the wear rate of the coating increases with wear temperature. After wearing at 700°C, 800°C and 900°C, the Ti, Si and N elements form atom-poor regions, while Al forms an atom-rich region, showing that the oxides of Ti, Al and Si are formed to improve the wear resistance of the coating. The wear mechanism of TiAlSiCN coating at high temperatures was composed of abrasive wear and oxidation wear. Originality/value The friction-wear behaviors of TiAlSiN coating were investigated using an HT-1000-type high-temperature friction wear tester, and the worn tracks on the coatings were analyzed using an EDS plane scan, thus obtaining the wear mechanism of TiAlSiN coating.