Thermal Investigation of Al2O3 Thin Films for Application in Cutting Operations

A study was conducted for thermal investigation of Al2O 3 thin films for application in cutting operations. Coated alumina samples were annealed from 600-1200 °C under vacuum for 4 hours and for another 600-1200 ° C in air for 4 hours. The samples were annealed under these conditions to prove the oxidation stability of the coatings under cutting operation conditions. The samples were also analyzed using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), nanoindentation, and domain size evolution. The investigated coatings were deposited using four cathodes in two-by-two cathode arrangement, which were pulsed in a bipolar pulse mode using a rectangular pulse having a frequency of 18.51 kHz. A TiAlN bond coat was also applied to assure significant adhesion of the coating.