Microstructure and Properties of Homogeneous and Gradient Ti(C, N) Coatings

The microstructure and properties of homogeneous and gradient Ti(C, N) coatings synthesized using magnetron sputtering technique were investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), secondary ion mass spectroanalyzer (SIMS), nanoindentation, and cutting tests. The results have shown that the coatings between homogenous and gradient Ti(C, N) are face centered cubic structure and show the columnar crystallites. The homogeneous Ti(C, N) exhibits higher nanohardness compared to the gradient Ti(C, N) coating. Moreover, the homogeneous Ti(C, N) coated inserts behave better wear resistance in continuous turning but worse properties in interrupted cutting.