Nanocrystalline (AlTiVCr)N Multi-Component Nitride Thin Films with Superior Mechanical Performance

Multi-component nitride thin films usually show high hardness and good wear resistance due to the nanoscale structure and solid-solution strengthening effect. However, the state of N atoms in the thin film and its effects on the compressive strength is still unclear. In this work, (AlTiVCr)N multi-component nitride thin films with a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure prepared by the direct current magnetron sputtering method exhibit a superior strength of similar to 4.5 GPa and final fracture at a strain of similar to 5.0%. The excellent mechanical properties are attributed to the synergistic effects of the nanocrystalline structure, covalent bonding between N and metal atoms, and interstitial strengthening. Our results could provide an intensive understanding of the relationship between microstructure and mechanical performances for multi-component nitride thin films, which may promote their applications in micro- and nano-devices.

Automated summary

This study investigates the mechanical properties of multi-component nitride thin films and their relationship with the microstructure. The results demonstrate that the synergistic effects of nanocrystalline structure, covalent bonding between N and metal atoms, and interstitial strengthening contribute to the superior mechanical properties of the thin films.