Effect of Silicon on the Surface Modification of Al-Cr Powder Cathodes Subjected to Vacuum Arc Treatment

Al-Cr and Al-Cr-Si composite cathodes were obtained by the hot compaction of aluminum, chromium, silicon powder mixtures. The phase transformations in surface layer subjected to arc heating considered. elemental compositions modified cathodes’ surfaces studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). effect addition on structural evolution cathode during evaporation is shown. It was found that an impact resulted melting consequent crystallization multiphase mixture intermetallic compounds eutectic layer. Cathode layers be depleted aluminum due ejection these elements drop form from Al-Si liquid surface. This can result change ratio deposited coating as compared with thus influence coated tools’ durability.