Computational Materials Science and Surface Engineering Structure, physical properties and fractal characteristics of the arc PVD coatings deposited onto the ceramics materials

Purpose: The goal of the presented study was to develop a methodology giving a possibility to predict functional properties of coatings obtained in the arc PVD process onto the ceramics materials, based on fractal and multifractal quantities describing their surface. Design/methodology/approach: Effect of process type and deposition conditions on structure and shape of surface, as well as mechanical and service properties of the obtained coatings were determined. Methodology and detailed description of coatings topography obtained in the PVD process on ceramics materials, including use of the fractal- and multi-fractal geometry based on images obtained on the atomic forces microscope were worked out. Relationships between fractal- and multi-fractal quantities and their mechanical and service properties were determined. Findings: The investigation results confirmed the feasibility to predict the service properties defined in the cutting ability test for coatings obtained in the arc PVD process, based on the surface fractal dimension D s value for their surface topography. Research limitations/implications: The geometrical features description of surfaces of the coatings obtained in the PVD processes. Practical implications: Determining significant quantitative correlations between fractal quantities defining coatings’ surfaces, as well as their service and/or mechanical properties provides the opportunity to predict their end-user properties. Originality/value: Fractal and multifractal analysis gives possibility to characterise the extent of irregularities of the analysed surface in the quantitative way.