Surfaces Modification of Ceramic Cutting Tools by MEVVA Ion Implantation

For the first time, alumina and silicon nitride ceramic cutting tools were modified by metal vapor vacuum arc implantation method using titanium, zirconium and chromium metals. The optimal implantation processes and doses were determined based on the cutting performances of the modified tools. By the modification, the nanohardness of the modified ceramics were enhanced by a factor of 13 similar to 64 %. The maximum Young's modulus measured by nano indentation and the bending strength increased by 41 % and 66 % respectively. The maximal residual compressive stress was approximately 0.63 GPa. Under the optimized doses, the surface of the modified tools became very smooth, with the average surface roughness (Ra) below 50 nm. The edge life of the modified ceramic tools was enhanced by a factor of 2 similar to 12. The Al(2)O(3) ceramic tools implanted by chromium showed optimum modification effect.