The Different Practical Application of Niobium Carbide Coatings Elaborated by CVD Process

Abstract

In this paper, the different application of niobium carbide coatings onto hard carbide substrate was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Xray diffractometer (XRD) and micro-hardness. The paper conducted a study on the friction coefficient and wear resistance as a function of load friction couple, for a series of NbC type thin layers; micro-hardness value measured in the coating layer was 29.800 MPa. Scanning Electron Microscope was used to investigate the coating morphology and interface structure. X-ray mapping was also performed to characterise the elements in a semi-quantitative analysis. A Dron X-ray diffractometer with Mo Kα radiation operating was used for phase(s) identification. Adherence was assessed using a layer fingerprinting method using Rockwell hardness testers. CVD NbC coatings usually show only moderate or even poor corrosion protection for hard carbide substrates.