Investigation of the nanostructure and wear properties of physical vapor deposited CrCuN nanocomposite coatings

Journal Article · Sun May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2005 · Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. A, Vacuum, Surfaces and Films

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.1875212· OSTI ID:20637086

Baker, M A; Kench, P J; Tsotsos, C; Gibson, P N; Leyland, A; Matthews, A ^[1]

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1. School of Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH (United Kingdom)

This article presents results on CrCuN nanocomposite coatings grown by physical vapor deposition. The immiscibility of Cr (containing a supersaturation of nitrogen) and Cu offers the potential of depositing a predominantly metallic (and therefore tough) nanocomposite, composed of small Cr(N) metallic and/or {beta}-Cr{sub 2}N ceramic grains interdispersed in a (minority) Cu matrix. A range of CrCuN compositions have been deposited using a hot-filament enhanced unbalanced magnetron sputtering system. The stoichiometry and nanostructure have been studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Hardness, wear resistance, and impact resistance have been determined by nanoindentation, reciprocating-sliding, and ball-on-plate high-cycle impact. Evolution of the nanostructure as a function of composition and correlations of the nanostructure and mechanical properties of the CrCuN coatings are discussed. A nanostructure comprised of 1-3 nm {alpha}-Cr(N) and {beta}-Cr{sub 2}N grains separated by intergranular regions of Cu gives rise to a coating with significantly enhanced resistance to impact wear.

• OSTI ID: 20637086
• Journal Information: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology. A, Vacuum, Surfaces and Films, Vol. 23, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1116/1.1875212; (c) 2005 American Vacuum Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0734-2101
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
CHROMIUM COMPOUNDS
COPPER
HARDNESS
MAGNETRONS
NANOSTRUCTURES
NITROGEN
PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SPUTTERING
STOICHIOMETRY
SUPERSATURATION
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
VAPOR DEPOSITED COATINGS
WEAR RESISTANCE
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY