Experiments were carried out, utilizing an axial tension-compression t
esting machine, to assess the tension and fatigue performance of a TiN
-coated material, as compared with the uncoated material. The TiN film
s of three different thicknesses, namely 3, 5 and 7 mu m, were used. T
he results are described as follows: In the tensile tests, the tensile
behavior of the coated and uncoated materials was similar, except for
the lower fracture strain of the coated materials. In the fatigue tes
ts, the application of TiN films was positive; the resulting enhanceme
nt in the endurance limit was by 20-40 MPa. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science
S.A.