Tool Coating Optimization
Posted on Friday, July 4th, 2014
The Construction Research Centre is pleased to embark in a new project to improve the effectiveness of protective coatings on cutting tools, engineered surfaces and architecture window glazing. These protective coatings can extend the service life of a treated surface but if they do not adhere well they can delaminate and actually compromise performance.
The 1st stage of this research project is underway in partnership with Efccts Inc. to examine what causes coatings to fail in order to develop ways to improve them.
Finite element models will be created to study the magnitude and distribution of contact stresses as well as the effect of thermal strain between the coring and substrate layer. Hardness and scratch tests will be performed on sample parts to simulate wear and they will be subsequently analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). A Focused Ion Beam (FIB) system will be used to determine the nature of the failure modes.
The originality of the study lies in its integrated approach in demonstrating the feasibility of the coating system in contact applications, through the development of a new evaluation and failure-prediction procedure. This approach emphasizes aspects that have the most significant effect on the durability and behaviour of both the protected surface and the protective coating.
The applications for this technology extend into many different areas including many aspects of manufacturing and, of course, construction. The project is being led by Algonquin College’s Dr. Jiehan Zhou and Industrial Supervisor Dr. Ali Elwafi from Efccts Inc. Want to learn more? Contact me at yanga@algonquincollege.com
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