Dynamic Impact Resistance and Scratch Adhesion of AlCrN Coatings Sputtered Using Cathodic Arc Glow Discharge

Abstract

AlCrN coatings, which are characterized by high hardness and good wear resistance, are often used for drilling, milling, and punching tools. Therefore, the study of the behaviour of these coatings under cyclic impact loading is essential for their optimization. Our previous work has focused on the study of the composition and microstructure of AlCrN coatings prepared using a cathodic arc deposition system with a SCIL® controller that controls the average ion energy per deposited atom (Ed). Two sets of coatings were prepared in two different modes, with a metal target and with a poisoned target. The chemical compositions of the coatings were very similar regardless of their deposition conditions, but the structure and mechanical properties of the coatings depended strongly on Ed. The present work focused on the scratch adhesion and impact wear of these two sets of AlCrN coatings. The lifetimes of both sets of samples under repeated dynamic impacts were tested using a dynamic impact tester with a WC-Co ball. It was shown that the impact behaviour of the coatings prepared in the metallic regime does not depend on the deposition conditions. However, the impact behaviour of the coatings deposited in poisoned mode was improved by increasing Ed.

Tribological behaviour of TiAlN and AlCrN coatings on stainless steel

“…39 In these coatings Lc1 could not be determined because no cohesive failure was detected. The first failure for these coatings was observed at 60 N load for the TiAlN coating and at 70 N load for AlCrN 40 (Figure 8). As it can be seen in Figure 8(a), the damage observed for a load of 70 N on AlCrN can be identified as ‘buckling spallation’ because delamination occurs within the scratch groove.…”