Deformation behavior of complex carbon nitride and metal nitride based bi-layer coatings

作者：Lin Y; Munroe P R^*

来源：Thin Solid Films, 2009, 517(17): 4862-4866.

DOI：10.1016/j.tsf.2009.03.182

• CN(x)
• TiAlCrN
• Microstructure
• Nanoindentation
• Deformation

A bi-layer coating consisting of a TiAlCrN inner layer and complex carbon nitride (CN(x)) plus CrCN outer layer was deposited on to a high speed steel (M2) substrate via physical vapour deposition (PVD). Detailed microstructural analysis of the coating has been performed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS analysis indicated that the outer layer contained both C-C bonds, associated with an amorphous phase, and the presence of CrCN, which was confirmed by TEM analysis. Localized deformation of the coating was performed using nanoindentation with a spherical indenter. Force-displacement curves of the indentation tests exhibited a number of 'pop-ins' during the loading cycle. indicative of cracking and other deformation events. Cross-sectional analysis of the indents revealed extensive cracking in the TiAlCrN layer and shear steps at the steel-nitride interface, consistent with the events observed in the force-displacement curves. On the other hand minimal cracking was observed in the CN(x) + CrCN layer. It is believed that the relatively ductile outer layer inhibits the propagation of cracks from the inner, brittle layer.

• 出版日期2009-7-1