Formation of Perspective Composite Coatings by Ion-Beam Assisted Deposition

TiAlN, TiSiN, and TiCrN composite layers were deposited by magnetron sputtering and sliding - angle ion beam sputtering of the inner surface of hollow, truncated cones of different compositions. The composition of both type coatings and component depth distributions were studied by the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The structural and phase analyses of the deposited films were performed by transmission electron microscopy and diffraction. Microhardness, wear resistance and friction coefficient of the coatings were also measured and discussed in the relationship with the structure and composition. Microhardness tests showed that the registered data varied in the range 10 to 50 GPa, depending on composition and concentration of components. The best wear protection results from the magnetron deposited Ti-Al-N systems in a narrow range of component concentrations. A minimal friction coefficient was revealed for the magnetron sputtered layers.