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A Method for Studying the Temperature Dependence of Dynamic Fracture and Fragmentation
Published on: June 28, 2015
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Fracture toughness and structural evolution in the TiAlN system upon annealing
M Bartosik1, C Rumeau2, R Hahn2
1Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, A-1060, Vienna, Austria. matthias.bartosik@tuwien.ac.at.
Scientific Reports
|November 30, 2017
Summary
Annealing Ti1-xAlxN coatings at 900°C enhances fracture toughness (KIC) by promoting nanostructure formation. This improvement in toughness, along with age hardening and oxidation resistance, makes Ti1-xAlxN coatings highly effective for demanding engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Hard coatings require high strength and toughness to withstand external loads and harsh environments.
- Titanium aluminum nitride (Ti1-xAlxN) coatings are crucial for protecting engineering components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of annealing on the fracture toughness (KIC) of Ti1-xAlxN coatings.
- To compare the annealing behavior of Ti1-xAlxN with TiN coatings.
Main Methods:
- Micro-fracture experiments on freestanding Ti1-xAlxN films.
- Cube corner nanoindentation tests.
- Analysis of microstructural changes upon annealing.
Main Results:
- Annealing Ti1-xAlxN at 900°C increased fracture toughness (KIC) by approximately 11%.
- Microstructural analysis revealed nanometer-sized domains, B4 AlN precipitation, stacking faults, and nano-twins in annealed Ti1-xAlxN.
- Annealed Ti1-xAlxN showed reduced or impeded crack formation compared to as-deposited samples.
- TiN coatings showed no significant change in KIC upon annealing.
Conclusions:
- Annealing-induced nanostructure formation enhances the fracture toughness of Ti1-xAlxN.
- Ti1-xAlxN coatings maintain or improve toughness at high temperatures, exhibiting age hardening and excellent oxidation resistance.
- These properties make Ti1-xAlxN coatings suitable for high-performance applications.
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