Stress Development and Adhesion Behavior in Thin Ceramic Coatings Monitored by Positron Annihilation During Bending

Abstract

ABSTRACTPositron Beam Analysis was for the first time performed in combination with a four-point bending stage. Applications of this novel technique on PVD TiN (5 m thick), WC:H (2.5 m) and CrN (1.5 m m) layers on tool steel, low carbon steel and stainless steel substrates are discussed. It appeared from PBA results that for these systems the coatings did not fail by delamination during bending. SEM confirmed that there was no decohesion but instead, cracking of the coatings was observed. In order to weaken the interface and quantify adhesion properties we propose to induce blistering based on localised gas implantation.