Composition, Structure, and Properties of Ti, Al, Cr, N, C Multilayer Coatings on AISI W1-7 Alloyed Tool Steel

Abstract

New methods of diffusion metallization of AISI W1-7 steel have been developed. The paper proposes a comparative analysis of the properties and characteristics of AISI W1-7 steel after three methods of chemical heat treatment: diffusion nitriding, nitrogen titration by physical deposition from the gas phase, and diffusion chromium plating with subsequent titanium alloys. The results are presented as a comprehensive analysis of coatings: metallographic, micro-X-ray spectral, X-ray phase, durometric, heat resistance, and wear resistance. It is established that multilayer protective coatings are formed as a result of treatments. It is shown that the coatings consist of carbide and nitride zones, intermetallic, and an Al2O3 layer outside the coating. The coatings have been found to contain barrier layers that prevent aluminum from penetrating the substrate. The maximum microhardness is typical for layers based on titanium carbide—30.3–35.5 GPa and titanium nitride—22.0–22.6 GPa, heat-resistant steels AISI W1-7 at a temperature of 900 °C in 4.2–8.5 times and wear resistance under sliding friction without lubrication up to 5.4 times compared to samples without treatment.