Performance evaluation of TiAlSiN and TiSiN/TiSiVN coatings during high-speed dry turning of AISI 316 L considering the role of vanadium-based tribo-oxides

This study investigates the tribo-mechanical performance of uncoated, TiAlSiN-coated, and TiSiN/TiSiVN multilayer-coated Al 2 O 3 /SiC ceramic tools during dry turning of AISI 316 L austenitic steel across three successive passes at varying cutting speeds. Key machining outputs, including cutting forces, surface roughness, cutting temperature, and tool wear (flank and crater), were analyzed with a focus on oxide formation and self-lubricating mechanisms. The TiSiN/TiSiVN-coated tool exhibited the most favorable performance, showing only ∼15 % increase in cutting force across passes, ∼9 % improvement in flank wear resistance compared to TiAlSiN, and ∼ 17 % lower wear progression relative to the uncoated tool at 350 m/min. Surface roughness and cutting temperature trends further confirmed the coating's superiority, attributed to the formation of V₂O₅ tribo-oxides, which reduce friction and thermal degradation. EDS and SEM analyses validated the wear protection mechanisms, highlighting the adaptive role of vanadium-based layers in mitigating adhesion and thermal fatigue. The results establish TiSiN/TiSiVN as a promising candidate for high-speed dry machining due to its superior mechanical-chemical synergy and wear resistance. • Cutting Forces progressively increased across passes for all tools; however, TiSiN/TiSiVN exhibited the lowest rise (∼15%) • TiSiN/TiSiVN displayed the smallest percentage increase (∼12%) in coefficient of friction owing to the lubricating effect of V₂O₅ films. • TiSiN/TiSiVN coated tool accounted to ∼30% lower Ra values compared to the uncoated tool • TiSiN/TiSiVN maintained thermal control with ∼20–25% lower temperature rise due to oxide barrier layers.