Structure and Phase Formation in the Mo–Si–Al–Zr–N System during the Formation of Arc-PVD Coatings and Their Properties

Abstract

The structure, composition, physicomechanical properties, tribological properties, and heat resistance of arc-PVD Mo–Si–Al–Zr–N coatings are studied. The coatings contain nitrides ZrN, Mo₂N, Si₃N₄, and AlN. The coatings have a multilayer structure with a modulation period of 40–45 nm and a crystallite size of 10–15 nm; a hardness of 43 GPa; and parameters H_IT/E_IT and \({{H_{{IT}}^{3}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{H_{{IT}}^{3}} {E_{{IT}}^{2}}}} \right. \kern-0em} {E_{{IT}}^{2}}}\) of 0.09 and 0.38 GPa, respectively. Samples with the coatings undergo oxidation without substrate exposure upon heating in air at a temperature up to 600°C. The coatings have high wear resistance and a high friction coefficient (~0.97) at elevated temperatures and exhibit cohesion fracture in scratching tests.