Cutting performance and chemical characterization of TiC-coated carbide cutting tools

• Published in: Thin solid films 1981-05, Vol.79 (1), p.83-90
• Main Authors: Odrey, N.G., Tongson, L., Biggers, J.V., Knox, B.E., Ham, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0040-6090; 1879-2731
• DOI: 10.1016/0040-6090(81)90431-4

The adhesion of TiC thin films deposited by an r.f. sputter deposition process on complex carbide cutting tool materials was investigated. The chemical compositions of the film-substrate interface and of the substrate surface were determined and related to substrate preparation techniques before film deposition via ion scattering spectrometric techniques. Previous investigators noted the deleterious effect of cobalt on machining performance. We found that sputter etching prior to deposition resulted in cobalt depletion at the surface. This is the first time that the relationship between cobalt depletion and the adhesional characteristics and cutting performance of TiC-coated cutting tools has been reported. In this comparative study for substrate preparation we found that the cobalt-depleted surfaces exhibited significant adhesional characteristics for the deposited films with minimal spallation and significantly improved cutting performance.