Mechanical and tribological properties of PVD-coated cemented carbide as evaluated by a new multi-pass scratch testing method

A new test method based on multi-pass scratch testing has been developed for evaluating the mechanical and tribological properties of thin, hard coatings. The proposed test method uses a pin-on-disc tribometer and during testing a Rockwell C diamond stylus is used as the “pin” and loaded against the rotating coated sample. The influence of normal load on the number of cycles to coating damage is investigated and the resulting coating damage mechanisms are evaluated by post-test scanning electron microscopy. The present study presents the test method by evaluating the performance of Ti0.86Si0.14N, Ti0.34Al0.66N and (Al0.7Cr0.3)2O3 coatings deposited by cathodic arc evaporation on cemented carbide inserts. The results show that the test method is quick, simple and reproducible and can preferably be used to obtain relevant data concerning the fatigue, wear, chipping and spalling characteristics of different coating-substrate composites. Also, the small size of the test region (the radius of the circular scratch track can be as small as 0.5 mm) makes it possible to perform tests within small restricted areas. Consequently, the test method can be used as a virtually non-destructive test and e.g. be used to evaluate the fatigue and wear resistance as well as the cohesive and adhesive interfacial strength of coated cemented carbide inserts prior to cutting tests