Long-term development directions of PVD/CVD coatings deposited onto sintered tool materials

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate strategic development perspectives of physical/ chemical vapour deposition of monolayer, multilayer and gradient coatings onto sintered tool materials with cemented carbides, cermets and tool ceramics substrates. The coating type was adopted as the criterion for technology division, thus obtaining eight technology groups for carried out research. Design/methodology/approach: In the framework of foresight-materials science research: a group of matrices characterising technology strategic position was created, materials science experiments using high-class specialised equipment were conducted and technology roadmaps were prepared. Findings: High potential and attractiveness were shown of the analysed technologies against the environment, as well as a promising improvement of mechanical and functional properties as a result of covering with the PVD/CVD coatings. Research limitations/implications: Research pertaining to covering sintered tool materials with the PVD/CVD coatings is part of a bigger research project aimed at selecting, researching and characterizing priority innovative material surface engineering technologies. Practical implications: The presented results of experimental materials science research prove the significant positive impact of covering with the PVD/CVD coatings on the structure and mechanical properties of sintered tool materials, which leads to the justification of their including into the set of priority innovative technologies recommended for application in industrial practice. Originality/value: The advantage of the article are results of comparative analysis of sintered tools materials with different types of coatings deposited in the PVD/CVD processes together with the recommended strategies of conduct, strategic development tracks and roadmaps of these technologies.