Titanium carbonitride (TiCN) is a ceramic coating material known for its enhanced hardness, wear resistance, and lower friction compared to pure titanium nitride (TiN). It is widely used in cutting tools, metal forming, and other industrial applications. Here are some key parameters for titanium carbonitride:
- Chemical Formula: TiCNY (where Y denotes a variable ratio of carbon to nitrogen)
- Appearance: TiCN coatings are typically golden-yellow to dark gray, depending on the exact composition.
- Structure: It forms a crystalline structure, often in a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice.
- Hardness: The Vickers hardness of TiCN coatings can range from about 2000 to 4000 HV, depending on the deposition method and composition, which is significantly harder than conventional tool steels.
- Coefficient of Friction: TiCN has a lower coefficient of friction compared to uncoated materials or even TiN, which reduces adhesive wear during machining operations.
- Thermal Stability: It maintains its hardness up to temperatures around 800-900°C, making it suitable for high-speed cutting and dry machining applications.
- Oxidation Resistance: TiCN offers better oxidation resistance than TiN, extending tool life in oxygen-rich environments.
- Chemical Composition: The typical composition ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) can vary widely, from 1:1 to ratios favoring more nitrogen or carbon, affecting the properties of the coating.
- Deposition Methods: TiCN coatings are commonly applied using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques, such as arc vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering, or ion plating. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is another method but less common for TiCN.
- Adhesion: Good adhesion to the substrate material is crucial. A thin layer of titanium nitride (TiN) or chromium nitride (CrN) is often used as a bond coat to enhance adhesion.
- Thickness: The thickness of TiCN coatings can range from a few microns up to tens of microns, depending on the application requirements.
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Applications: Primarily used in cutting tools (drills, end mills, inserts), metal forming dies, injection molding components, and wear-resistant parts in automotive and aerospace industries.