Evaluation of the deposition mass, thickness and micro-hardness of TiN layer applied on AISI D2 tool steel by electrophoretic deposition

Abstract

This study examined the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of titanium nitride (TiN) on AISI D2 tool steel, analyzing coating properties and TiN nanoparticle stability in the presence of polyethyleneimine as a dispersant in isopropyl alcohol. The parameters investigated were deposition time (5, 10, and 15 minutes), electric field strength (0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 V/m), and suspension concentration (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/L). Results indicated that a deposition time of 10 minutes with an electric field strength of 0.5 V/m and a suspension concentration of 0.2 mg/L provided optimal results in terms of thickness and micro-hardness. Higher deposition time led to increased thickness but decreased micro-hardness, while increasing electric field intensity for a constant deposition time led to increased deposition mass and thickness but lower quality at higher concentrations. Microstructural examination and micro-hardness testing confirmed these findings.