In this paper, we analyze the possibilities of the protection of tools for wood machining with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) hard coatings. The nanolayered TiN/AlTiN coating, nanocomposite TiAlSiN coatings, and single layer TiN coating were analyzed in order to use them for protection of tools for wood machining. Both nanostructured coatings were deposited in an industrial magnetron sputtering system on the cutting blades made of sintered carbide WC-Co, while TiN single layer coating was deposited by evaporation using thermionic arc. In the case of TiN/AlTiN nanolayer coatings the thickness of the individual TiN and AlTiN layer was in the 5–10 nm range, depending on the substrate vertical position. The microstructure and chemical composition of coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) method. Additionally, in the case of the TiN/AlTiN coating, which was characterized by the best durability characteristics, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods were applied. The coatings adhesion to the substrate was analyzed by scratch test method combined with optical microscopy. Nano-hardness and durability tests were performed with uncoated and coated blades using chipboard. The best results durability characteristics were observed for TiN/AlTiN nanolayered coating. Performance tests of knives protected with TiN and TiAlSiN hard coatings did not show significantly better results compared to uncoated ones.

The influence of different types of cemented carbide blades and thickness of TiAlN/a-C:N and TiN/AlTiN protective coatings used in the wood industry on cutting performance has been studied. Three types of WC-Co cemented carbide blades with different cobalt content were used in the study. The thicknesses of both types of coatings were ~2 and ~5 µm. The structure, chemical and phase composition were studied using transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), X-ray dispersion spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The adhesion was evaluated by scratch test. Nanohardness and durability tests of uncoated and coated blades were performed. We found that the blades covered with 5 µm TiN/AlTiN coatings exhibited the best durability characteristic. The cutting distances were within the range ~6700-~7080 depending on the substrates in comparison with pure substrates (~4300–~4900) and 2 µm TiN/AlTiN coatings (~5400–~6600). The presence of a thin and soft outer a-C:N layer aggravates the nanohardness and durability of the coated blades.

The influence of the stirring conditions in the electrolyte on the structure and properties of Ni/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite coatings was studied. The coatings were produced by electrochemical reduction on a copper substrate in a Watts bath modified by nickel grain inhibitor, cationic surfactant and low concentrated nanometric alumina. The process has been carried out with different types of agitation (mechanical, ultrasonic stirring and with a copper rotating disc electrode). The structures of the produced coatings were characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. The influence of Al₂O₃ particles on the microhardness of composite coatings was also analysed. The adhesion of the composite coatings to the substrate and coefficient of friction were determined by means of the scratch test. The studies have shown that the bath stirring method affects the content and distribution of the alumina, as well as the properties of the produced composite Ni/Al₂O₃ coatings.

In this paper, glow nitriding processes at cathode potential are used at various temperatures to investigate how they affect the corrosion resistance of 316L steel in ethanol at temperatures of 22 °C and −30 °C. Lowering the test temperature reduces the corrosion rate of the nitrided layers. Conversely, glow nitriding at 450 °C improves the corrosion resistance of the tested steel. Increasing the nitriding temperature to 520 °C increases the corrosion rate. It should be noted that the ethyl alcohol solution, due to the lack of aggressive ions, does not cause significant changes in the corrosion rate of the steel. The value of the corrosion current varies in the range of 10⁻²–10⁻³ µA/cm². Nitrided layers increase the contact angle measured for water and are entirely wettable for ethanol. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the nitriding temperature of AISI 316L steel on its corrosion resistance in an ethanol solution at room temperature and at −30 °C.

In this study, the use of Cr/CrN+CrCN/Cr-C:H, Cr/W-C:H, and Cr/CrN+Ag/Cr-C:H coatings deposited on copper beryllium were investigated. These protective coatings were prepared using the Magnetron Sputtering Physical Vapor Deposition (MSPVD) method. The tests were carried out in order to qualify the outer DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) layers for use as the protective function and for regulating the thermo-optical properties. The objective of this study was to compare the properties of chromium and chromium nitride-based coatings. The microstructure, architecture, and chemical composition were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Photo Diode BackScattered Electrons (PDBS), and X-ray dispersion spectroscopy (EDX). The adhesion was evaluated using a scratch test and a peel and pull-off method. The level of protection against the cold welding effect was tested. Thermo-optical, microhardness, and surface electric resistivity tests were performed. It was found that in cases where increased resistance to cold welding is required, DLC2 and DLC3 proved to be the best solutions. An example of such an application is tubular boom antennas, which are stored in a rolled-up form until deployed in space. They are susceptible to cold welding due to vibration during rocket launch and subsequent exposure to high vacuum.