Study of the Properties of Iron and Vanadium Nitride Coatings by CCPD on 1080 Steel

In this study, nanostructured coatings of VN₂/Fe₃N/Fe₄N are synthesized by Plasma Deposition (CCPD) using a vanadium cathodic cage and subject to cathodic and floating potential treatments. Microstructural and mechanical properties of coated SAE 1080 steel samples are investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Vickers microhardness (HV), and surface roughness analysis. The coating produced under cathodic potential treatment exhibited a nitride-based microstructure (VN₂, Fe₃N, Fe₄N), with surface morphology consisting of clusters of granular structures with varied particle sizes. The coating produced under floating potential predominantly exhibited the iron nitride phase (Fe₃N) with a morphology composed of uniformly sized grains. Microhardness testing showed that both layers exhibited more excellent plastic deformation resistance than the substrate. Roughness measurements confirmed a more organized microstructure profile for the sample treated under floating potential. This study demonstrates that the CCPD-produced cathodic potential coating can be utilized in tribological applications.

Keywords:
CCPD deposition; cathodic cage; vanadium nitride; plasma