Comparison of the PVD coatings deposited onto plasma nitrited steel

Purpose: The paper presents the structure, mechanical and tribological properties investigation results of the CrN, TiN and TiN/(Ti,Al)N anti-wear PVD coatings deposited onto substrates from the plasma nitrided hot work steel X37CrMoV5-1 type. Design/methodology/approach: Tests of the coatings’ adhesion to the substrate material were made using the scratch test. The surfaces’ topography and the structure of the PVD coatings were observed on the scanning electron microscopy. The microhardness tests were made on the dynamic ultra-microhardness tester. Wear resistance tests with the pin-on-disc method were carried out on the CSEM THT (High Temperature Tribometer). Findings: The duplex coatings demonstrate high hardness and very good adhesion. It was found out that the duplex TiN/(Ti,Al)N coating show the best adhesion to the substrate material. Practical implications: This investigation is to determine the usefulness of CrN and TiN, TiN/(Ti,Al)N PVD coatings deposition in order to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of hot work steels, particularly X37CrMoV5-1 type one. Originality/value: The investigation results will provide useful information to applying the duplex and nanostructure PVD coatings for the improvement of mechanical properties of the hot work tool steels. The very hard and antiwear PVD coatings deposited onto hot work tool steel substrate are needed.