Abstract
Zr/ZrCN multilayers, with bilayer periods ranging from 4.4 to 70 nm, were deposited on C45 and M2 steels and Si substrates by the cathodic arc technique, in a CH4 + N2 atmosphere. The elemental and phase composition, modulation periodicity, texture, surface morphology, residual stress, hardness, adhesion, friction and wear behavior were investigated as a function of bilayer period and C/N ratio using AES, RBS, XRR, XRD and AFM techniques, surface profilometry, Vickers microhardness and scratch adhesion measurements, and tribological tests. Two types of Zr/ZrCN multilayers, with high and low C/(C + N) ratios (0.7 and 0.2, respectively) in the ZrCN sub-layer composition, have been prepared. The investigations indicated that the microchemical, microstructural, mechanical and tribological characteristics of the multilayered coatings depended on C/N ratio and bilayer period. For the optimum structure parameters (bilayer periods in the range 6-13 nm), the tribological performance of the multilayers was found to be superior to that of the ZrCN monolayers.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 818-825 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Materials Chemistry and Physics |
Volume | 126 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 15 Apr 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cathodic arc deposition
- Composition and structure
- Mechanical characteristics
- Zr/ZrCN multilayers
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics