Parametric study of the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline TiN/CrN multilayer coatings with a special focus on the effect of coating thickness and substrate roughness

In a plot to improve the performance of steel mechanical parts subject aggressive friction solicitations, three batches deposits TiN and CrN layers on substrates with two different roughnesses have been obtained using reactive DC magnetron sputtering. The present study was conducted determine effect varying TiN/CrN multilayer coatings thickness (varying modulated period ? interlayer thickness), their tribological properties. morphological structural properties were analyzed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) X-ray diffraction (XRD). nanoindentation measurements displayed improvement in hardness (> 40 GPa) Young's modulus 600 for coating ? 12 nm (TiN ?/2 7.5 + 4.5 nm) higher number (300) interfaces, deposited rougher substrate. Its low damage under scratch test, associated its estimated adhesion work (Wad), indicated good cohesive/adhesive strength improved