Structural modification of TiAlN coatings by preliminary Ti Ion bombardment of a steel substrate

Abstract

The TiAlN coatings deposited onto steel 12Cr18Ni9Ti substrates before and after preliminary treatment by Ti ion beams are studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and nanoindentation. The modification of the surface layer of a substrate is shown to change the structure and the preferred orientation of the coatings. The mechanical properties of the TiAlN coatings are found to depend substantially on the ion bombardment time.