Influence of the composition of coatings based on titanium and zirconium nitrides on the mechanical properties and performance of cutting tools

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Abstract

Problem. The influence of chromium and aluminum as alloying elements on the substructural parameters, stress state, and cyclic crack resistance of TiZrN nitride coatings has not been systematically investigated,
which hinders the informed selection of coating composition in the development of machining processes.
Aim. To establish the patterns of the influence of chromium and aluminum alloying on the structure, mechanical
properties, stress state, and cyclic crack resistance of TiZr-nitride coatings, as well as to evaluate their effect on
the tool life of MK8 and R6M5K5 inserts during turning of 30KhGSA steel. Methods. TiZrN, TiZrCrN (11.28 at.%
Cr), and TiZrAlN (9.25 at.% Al) PVD coatings were investigated. Structural parameters were determined by X-ray
diffraction analysis (DRON-3M); microhardness Hµ, elastic modulus E, and fracture toughness KIC were determined
by Knoop indentation. The stress state and cyclic crack resistance were calculated during turning of 30KhGSA steel
with MK8 inserts (V=180 m/min, t=0.5 mm) and R6M5K5 inserts (V=55 m/min, t=0.75 mm). Results. Al alloying
has a stronger effect on the substructural parameters: for TiZrAlN, β111=0.67°, D=14 nm versus β111=0.55°, D=18 nm
for TiZrN. Both elements increase microhardness (43.2 and 42.2 GPa) and compressive residual stresses
(up to −1422 MPa). TiZrAlN provided a tool life of MK8 inserts of 57 min at V=180 m/min – 2.0 times higher than
TiZrN and 1.3 times higher than TiZrCrN. Conclusions. The TiZrAlN coating (9.25 at.% Al) provides the best combination of substructural parameters, mechanical properties, and crack resistance among th e investigated Ti–Zr–N
coatings and is recommended for application to MK8 inserts in the turning of structural steels such as 30KhGSA.

About the authors

Vladimir P. Tabakov

Ulyanovsk State Technical University

Email: vpt@ulstu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2568-9401

Doctor of Sciences (Engineering), Professor 

Russian Federation, 432027, Russia, Ulyanovsk, Severny Venets Street, 32

Oleg I. Morozov

Ulyanovsk State Technical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: olmorozov-rabota@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8241-2591

PhD (Engineering), Associate Professor

Russian Federation, 432027, Russia, Ulyanovsk, Severny Venets Street, 32

Aleksandr S. Shavrygin

Ulyanovsk State Technical University

Email: isashashav@gmail.com

Postgraduate student

Russian Federation, 432027, Russia, Ulyanovsk, Severny Venets Street, 32

Renat U. Kamenov

National Research University of Electronic Technology; Togliatti State University,

Email: Renatkamenov@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9181-5704

PhD (Engineering)

Russian Federation, 124498, Moscow, Zelenograd, Shokina Square, 1; 445020, Russia, Togliatti, Belorusskaya Street, 14

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