Pulsed electrospark deposition of MAX phase Cr2AlC based coatings on titanium alloy

Coatings with a high amount of MAX phase were obtained onto Ti substrate using the pulsed electrospark deposition (PED) technique and Cr2AlC electrode material (ЕМ). The structure and phase formation of the coatings generated at different modes were studied. It was found, that a layer of titanium carbide was formed during the initial stage of the deposition at the interface as a result of chemical reaction between Cr2AlC electrode and Ti substrate which further acts as a diffusion barrier. •Pulsed electrospark deposition of the coatings was made using Cr2AlC electrode.•Structural-phase state of coatings was studied.•TiC barrier layer forms as a result of reaction between Cr2AlC and Ti substrate.•Mechanical properties of the coatings do not change along its thickness.