Study of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Coatings Obtained by Vacuum-Arc Spraying of Ti–B–Si–Ni Cathodes Manufactured Using Self-Propagent High-Temperature Synthesis and Pressing

The article presents the results of a study of vacuum-arc coatings obtained by sputtering Ti–B–Si–Ni cathodes, manufactured by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis with simultaneous pressing. The techniques for manufacturing cathodes of the indicated composition were characterized; the modernized NNV 6.6-I1 device, the conditions and modes of coating deposition in an argon atmosphere and in a nitrogen + argon gas mixture in a ratio of 90/10 were described. To study the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting coatings, the hardness was measured at different loads on the indenter; the strength of adhesion to the base was assessed by the Rockwell method; the elemental composition of the cathodes and the (Ti–B–Si–Ni)N coating was determined by Auger spectroscopy and the phase composition of the (Ti–B–Si–Ni)N coating was determined by X-ray phase analysis; a study of the properties of the coating (Ti–B–Si–Ni) was carried out by the scratching method (scratch testing). As a result of a comprehensive analysis of the results obtained, it was concluded that the high hardness of the (Ti–B–Si–Ni)N coating (more than 40 GPa) is due to its composition, which includes both nitrides and highly hard titanium borides. The heterophasic nature of the structure of this coating can serve as a contribution to the stressed state of the material. The coating has a gradient-layered structure. The material contains a Ti–B–Si–Ni layer bonding with the substrate and the main functional layer (Ti–B–Si–Ni) N. The coating has both high hardness and sufficient adhesion to the substrate (adhesion) determined by the scratch testing. The combination of these properties makes the material promising for its practical application in the production of tools.