Parametric optimisation for enhanced functional performance of Ti:TiN:TiAlN multilayer coatings synthesised by CFUBMS-PVD on Ti-6Al-4 V and inconel 718 alloys
International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00170-026-19336-3
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, IBZ Online, Compendex, INSPEC, DIALNET, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Magnetron sputtering, CFUBMS-PVD, Ti-6Al-4 V, Inconel 718, Ti:TiN:TiAlN multilayer coating, Adhesion, Friction and wear, ANOVA-based optimisation
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718 are widely applied as high-performance engineering alloys in aerospace and defence applications. However, the resistance to wear and surface damage under severe service conditions still requires further improvement. The application of hard ceramic coatings significantly enhances functional surface performance. This research presents a systematic investigation of specifically architectured Ti:TiN:TiAlN multilayer coatings synthesised by Closed-Field Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering–Physical Vapor Deposition (CFUBMS-PVD) on Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718. The aim is to provide superior performance and overcome the limitations of conventional monolithic TiN coatings through controlled dc and pulsed-dc power application and specified variations in layer composition, hardness, and thickness, which enable functionally different layer characteristics and ultimately contribute to greater structural stability, toughness, and crack resistance. The coatings were evaluated through comprehensive microstructural, mechanical, and tribological characterisation. A Taguchi L4 (23) orthogonal experimental design was used to determine the effects of dc target material current, coating deposition pressure, and nitrogen gas flow rate on the coating properties, and analysis of variance (ANOVA)-based optimisation was employed to identify the dominant deposition process parameters. The findings revealed improved hardness, adhesion strength, and wear resistance, while nitrogen gas flow rate and dc target material current were identified as the most influential parameters. On Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718, hardness values of 29.9 ± 0.5 and 28.3 ± 0.5 GPa, adhesion strengths of 45 ± 0.5 and 55 ± 0.5 N, and wear resistance improvements of 7.04-fold and 2.40-fold were obtained, respectively. The results provide practical insights into the development of multilayer coatings for surface applications.