Product Code: ICAL06_M106

Optimisation of TiN thin film synthesis by a novel combined laser/sol-gel processing technique
Authors:
Tamer Ezz, ; Manchester Great Britain
Philip Crouse, Manchester University; Manchester Great Britain
Zhu Liu, University of manchester; Manchester Great Britain
Lin Li, University of manchester; Manchester Great Britain
Presented at ICALEO 2006

Of the many methods of laser treatment for improving materials surface properties that have been reported, very few have addressed laser-assisted chemical reaction. In this work in situ titanium nitride and silicon nitride ceramic phases were produced by the reaction of titania and silica sol- gel mixtures, with appropriate nitrogen-containing admixtures, under laser irradiation. A diode laser at different powers and traverse speeds was applied to H13 tool steel and stainless steel substrates, coated with slurries of titania and silica sol-gel mixed with nitrogenous compounds and graphite. The reaction chemical thermodynamics was investigated to estimate the compositions and temperature range for processing. Surface morphology and microstructure of the deposited coatings and substrate surface layers were examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM). Chemical composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The phases were identified by X-ray diffraction. Results of microhardness distribution, wear rates and corrosion properties are also reported.