The diffusion of cubic boron nitride (c-BN) on the D2 tool steel surface was investigated using a thermo-chemical process in order to enhance the tribological properties of tool steel surfaces. The c-BN was diffused on the tool steel surface applying the thermochemical diffusion process using argon controlled furnace. The effect of temperature and soaking time on the diffusion process, micro-hardness, and wear resistance were the main parameters evaluated. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to analyze the morphology and elemental composition of the as-synthesized c-BN-D2 surface composite. Here, the micro-hardness of manufactured coatings was investigated using a Vickers hardness tester. The wear resistance of surface composite was studied using a pin-on-disk apparatus. The morphological investigation revealed that c-BN was successfully diffused in the surface of tool steel in the form of white globular precipitates. The best surface hardness produced has a values of 1570 GPa. The diffused layer thickness varies between 50–90 μm and is very dense. It has mechanical interlocking properties suitable against delamination process and wear formation. The superior performances of novel c-BN-D2 tool steel surface composite permits to extend the machine tool life, especially when is applied on the single-point cutting tools.

使用热化学过程研究立方氮化硼 (c-BN) 在 D2 工具钢表面上的扩散，以提高工具钢表面的摩擦学性能。使用氩气控制的炉子，通过热化学扩散过程将 c-BN 扩散到工具钢表面。温度和保温时间对扩散过程、显微硬度和耐磨性的影响是评估的主要参数。使用场发射扫描电子显微镜 (SEM) 和能量色散光谱 (EDS) 分析合成后的 c-BN-D2 表面复合材料的形貌和元素组成。在这里，使用维氏硬度计研究了制造涂层的显微硬度。使用针盘式装置研究了表面复合材料的耐磨性。形态学研究表明，c-BN 成功地以白色球状沉淀物的形式扩散到工具钢表面。产生的最佳表面硬度值为 1570 GPa。扩散层厚度在 50-90μ m 并且非常致密。它具有机械互锁特性，适用于防止分层过程和磨损形成。新型c-BN-D2工具钢表面复合材料的优越性能可以延长机床寿命，特别是应用于单点切削刀具时。