Structure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of nanocomposite coatings deposited by PVD technology onto the X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 and X40CrMoV5-1 steel substrates

This article presents the research results on the structure and mechanical properties of nanocomposite coatings deposited by PVD methods on the X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 austenitic steel and X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel substrates. The tests were carried out on TiAlSiN, CrAlSiN and AlTiCrN coatings. It was found that the structure of the PVD coatings consisted of fine crystallites, while their average size fitted within the range 11-25 nm, depending on the coating type. The coatings demonstrated columnar structure and dense cross-sectional morphology as well as good adhesion to the substrate, the latter not only being the effect of adhesion but also by the transition zone between the coating and the substrate, developed as a result of diffusion and high-energy ion action that caused mixing of the elements in the interface zone. The critical load L (C2) lies within the range 27-54 N, depending on the coating and substrate type. The coatings demonstrate a high hardness (similar to 40 GPa) and corrosion resistance.