Comparison of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of TiN and ZrN Coatings Deposited by Arc-PVD

Abstract

The continuous development of thin coatings for different applications and using various coating methods require the characterization of these newly formed surfaces to evaluate their utility properties. Binary thin coatings of titanium (TiN) and zirconium (ZrN) nitrides were prepared using the Arc-PVD (Cathodic Arc Deposition) method. Differences were observed in the structure and morphology of the thin coatings and the change in tribological properties at room and elevated temperatures (150 °C and 300 °C). The research is focused on evaluating the frictional properties of the coating using the Ballon-Disc method in the dry friction mode. The emphasis is placed on the resistance of the thin coating to wear. The nanohardness was measured to be 26.2 GPa for TiN and 24.8 GPa for ZrN. Index of resistivity against plastic deformation H³/E² (plastic deformation resistance) for ZrN coating -0.087 and TiN coating -0.095, H/E (plasticity index) for ZrN -0.059 and TiN -0.060. Better friction properties and wear resistance (at 150 °C) were found for the TiN coating compared to the ZrN coating.