Structure, properties, and wear resistance of multilayer CrAlSiN cermet coatings

This study investigates the structural features, mechanical, and tribological properties of a multilayer metal-ceramic coating (CrAlSiN/Cr) deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) onto 40ХН steel substrates. The coating's architecture comprises a Cr adhesive layer, a nanostructured functional CrAlSiN layer, an intermediate Cr layer with up to 12 alternating layers, and a final CrAlSiN layer. These layers are designed to increase load-bearing capacity and reduce crack propagation under sliding contact. The microstructure, elemental composition, hardness, and elastic modulus were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. Tribological tests were conducted using a ballon-disk setup, with an Al2O3 ball serving as the counterweight. These tests allowed us to determine the friction coefficient and wear rate under dry friction.
Preliminary tribological tests have confirmed the stability of the friction coefficient and high wear resistance, which is due to the multilayer architecture and optimal mechanical properties of the material. The alternation of hard CrAlSiN ceramic layers with ductile Cr interlayers creates an effective system of internal barriers that prevent crack propagation and localize plastic deformation. The combination of structural features and mechanical properties of the CrAlSiN/Cr coating renders it an exceptionally effective solution for components operating under high loads and limited lubrication.

1. Enhancing the wear resistance of metallic and metal-polymer tribosystems by forming the structure and properties of their surface layer. / I. V. Kolesnikov, P. D. Motrenko, V. I. Kolesnikov, D. S. Man-turov. – Moscow : VINITI RAS, 2021. – 168 p. – ISBN 978-5-902928-92-8.

2. Kolesnikov, I. V. System analysis and synthesis of processes occurring in metal-polymer friction units for friction and antifriction purposes / I. V. Kolesnikov. – Moscow : VINITI RAS, 2017. – 384 p. – ISBN 978-5-902928-72-0.

3. Multilayer coatings for tribology : A mini review / Y. Liu, S. Yu, Q. Shi, X. Ge, W. Wang // Nano-materials. – 2022. – Vol. 12, No. 9. – Article no. 1388. – DOI 10.3390/nano12091388.

4. Fatigue life of TiN and CrN coatings in rolling contact / E. Vera, M. Vite, E. Gallardo, J. Laguna-Camacho // Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part J : Journal of Engineering Tribology. – 2013. – Vol. 227, No. 4. – P. 339–348. – DOI 10.1177/1350650112463844.

5. Microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of gradient CrAlSiN coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering and arc ion plating technology / Q. Fan, S. Zhang, J. Lin [et al.] // Thin Solid Films. – 2022. – Vol. 760. – Article no. 139490. – DOI 10.1016/j.tsf.2022.139490.

6. Influence of Al and Si content on structure and mechanical properties of arc evaporated Al–Cr–Si–N thin films / C. Tritremmel, R. Daniel, M. Lechthaler, P. Polcik, C. Mitterer // Thin Solid Films. – 2013. – Vol. 534. – P. 403–409. – DOI 10.1016/j.tsf.2013.03.017.

7. Structural features and tribological properties of multilayer coatings based on refractory metals / A. D. Pogrebnjak, Y. O. Kravchenko, O.V. Bondar [et al.] // Protection of Metals and Physical Chemistry of Surfaces. – 2018. – Vol. 54, No. 2. – P. 240–258. – DOI 10.1134/S2070205118020107.

8. Effect of interlayer design on friction and wear behaviors of CrAlSiN coating under high load in sea-water / Y. Ye, Z. Liu, W. Liu [et al.] // RSC Ad-vances. – 2018. – Vol. 8. – P. 5596–5607. – DOI 10.1039/C7RA12409K.

9. Investigation of the properties of CrAlSiN coatings by spectroscopic methods. / A. V. Sidashov, M. V. Boyko, A. T. Kozakov, D. S. Manturov // Vestnik Mashinostroeniya. – 2022. – No. 2. – P. 60–64. – DOI 10.36652/0042-4633-2022-2-60-64.

10. Nitrogen-stabilized DLC coatings : optimization of properties and deposition parameters using randomized tree algorithms and neural networks / A. I. Voropaev, V. I. Kolesnikov, O. V. Kudryakov [et al.] // Physical Mesomechanics. – 2024. – Vol. 27, No. 2. – P. 16–32. – DOI 10.55652/1683-805X_2024_27_2_16-32.

11. Advanced PVD coatings for highly loaded components in powertrain applications / K. Bobzin, T. Brögelmann, N. Kruppe, C. Kalscheuer // Surface and Coatings Technology. – 2020. – Vol. 388. – Article no. 125575.

12. Structural-phase state and properties of Cr–Al–Si–N coatings obtained by vacuum arc plasma deposition / V. I. Kolesnikov, O. V. Kudryakov, V. N. Varavka [et al.] // Physical Mesomechanics. – 2023. – Vol. 26, No. 2. – P. 126–136. – DOI 10.1134/S1029959923020029.

13. Teles, V. C. Abrasive wear of multilayered/gradient CrAlSiN PVD coatings: Effect of interface roughness and of superficial flaws / V. C. Teles, J. D. B. de Mello, W. M. da Silva // Wear. – 2017. – Vols. 376–377. – Part B. – P. 1691–1701. – DOI 10.1016/j.wear.2017.01.116..

14. Polityko, K. N. Vacuum installation for obtaining ionplasma coatings for tribological applications / K. N. Polityko, A. I. Voropaev, D. S. Manturov // Vacuum Technology and Equipment – 2024 : pro-ceedings of the 31st All-Russian scientific and tech-nical conference with international participation, Saint Petersburg, June 25–27, 2024. – Saint Peters-burg : Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University «LETI» – 2024. – P. 141–144.

15. Golovin, Yu. I. Nanoindentation and its capabil-ities / Yu. I. Golovin. – Moscow : Mashinostroenie, 2009. – 312 p.

16. DIN 50324-1992. Tribology ; testing of friction and wear model test for sliding friction of solids (ball-on-disc system). – 6 p. – URL: https://www.stand-ards.ru/document/4024545.aspx (date of access: 06/12/2026).

17. ASTM G99-17. Standard Test Method for Wear Testing with a Pin-on-Disk Apparatus. – January 1, 2017. – 6 p. – URL: https://www.astm.org/g0099-17.html (date of access: 06/12/2026).

18. Structural and mechanical properties of DLC/TiN coatings on carbide for wood-cutting applications / V. Hayeuski, V. Zhylinski, V. Kazachenko [et al.] // Coatings. – 2023. – Vol. 13. – Article no. 1192. – DOI 10.3390/coatings13071192.