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

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 (R) controller that controls the average ion energy per deposited atom (E-d). 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 E-d. 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 E-d.

Automated summary

This study investigates the behavior of two different AlCrN coatings under cyclic impact loading. It is found that the structure and mechanical properties of the coatings are closely related to the deposition conditions and ion energy. The impact behavior of coatings in the metallic regime is not affected by the deposition conditions, while the coatings deposited in the poisoned mode are improved by increasing the ion energy.