RÅC X-Cut

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon is teaming up with the Thin Film Physics division and the Nano-structured Materials division at Linköping University (LiU) together with SECO Tools AB for collaboration within the research framework Röntgen Ångström Cluster. The overall purpose of this project is to achieve a fundamental understanding, on an atomistic level, of the dynamics of phase transformations during manufacture and operation of high performance cutting tools. The underlying mechanisms for formation of self-organized nano-structured coatings in immiscible nitride-based ceramic materials systems is investigated by taking advantage of the unique properties of high-energy X-ray scattering (E>50 keV) for performing time-resolved in-situ structural analyses at the Hereon High Energy Materials Science beamline HEMS at PETRA III synchrotron storage ring, Hamburg.

A state-of-the-art industrial size in-situ thin film sputter deposition chamber, as well as a cutting rig allowing structural characterization of the cutting edge of real tools under operation, will be built by the Swedish partners and installed at HEMS. The outcome of the collaboration will be new hard, tough, and resistant high-performance cutting tool coatings and an increased understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind hardening by self-organized nano-structuring in thin films.