Effect of deposition time on microstructures and properties of ZrTiN coatings

Multi arc ion plating ZrTiN hard coatings were deposited on WC/TiC/Co and WC/Co cemented carbide substrate with independent Ti and Zr targets. The effect of deposition time on morphology, phase composition, thickness, hardness and adhesive strength of the coatings was investigated, respectively. The results show that only face centered cubic structure phase forms in the coatings and the crystal orientation maintains (111). Grain size of the coating is around 10 nm without changing during experimental process. Microhardness and adhesive strength of the coatings decline evidently when deposition time is 120 min.