Mechanical and Tribological Properties of TiN Coatings Produced by PIII and D Technique

The structure, mechanical and tribological properties TiN coatings рroduced with PIII and D by using rectilinear filtered vacuum arc plasma system are present. The results of scratch testing and wear reciprocating testing clearly revealed the positive effect of pulse bias (0.5÷2.5 kV) application on tribological behavior of the TiN coatings in comparison the coatings deposited with DC bias (150 V). Application of pulsed bias potential leads to a significant reduction in the friction coefficient and increasing of coatings wear resistance due to a change in their structure. The orientation of crystal planes parallel to the surface changes from (111) to (220) with the application of pulse bias, which is accompanied by a transition from fibrous grains structure to denser columnar grains.