Tribological and Micromechanical Properties of the Nanostructured Carbonitride/Nitride Coatings of Transition Metals Alloyed by Hf and Nb

In this article, the fabrication, characterization, tribological performance, and micromechanical properties of nanostructured smart coatings (NSC) based on multilayered alternating carbonitride/nitride bilayer {TiMe-CN/TiAlSi-N}n system are discussed. The symbol “Me” denotes refractory metals Hf or Nb, index “n” shows number superlattice periods. NSC samples were deposited onto bearing steel (100Cr6) substrates using a reactive high-power physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique that can be scaled up for industrial use. contained crystalline nanometer-scale TiMe-CN/TiAlSi-N nanoparticles strengthened by Nb additives, which increased surface microhardness to 3000 HV. measured steady-state friction coefficient (CoF) was within 0.2–0.4 range, specific wear rate lower than 2 × 10−6 mm3/Nm observed in dry regime. impact substrate hardness coating thickness measurement values investigated. A thicker provided higher integrated (coating + substrate) value at indentation test force (<0.3 N). As increased, obtained decreased faster softer substrate. roughness observed.