High temperature wettability of multicomponent CrAlSiN and TiAlSiN coatings by molten glass

The phenomenon of glass-to-mold sticking is a major problem for industrial glass forming processes. Ternary TiAlN coatings attracted considerable industrial interest because of their excellent tribological performance and high oxidation resistance at high temperatures. Recently, multicomponent CrAlSiN and TiAlSiN coatings have been developed in order to gain high hardness and good thermal stability at temperatures exceeding 800 °C. In this study, CrAlSiN, TiAlSiN and AlTiN coatings were deposited on tungsten carbide substrates by using a cathodic-arc deposition system with lateral rotating arc cathodes. Titanium, chromium and AlSi (12 at.% of Si) cathodes were used for the deposition of CrAlSiN and TiAlSiN coatings. All the deposited CrAlSiN, TiAlSiN and AlTiN coatings showed a B1-NaCl crystal structure. The deposited CrAlSiN and TiAlSiN coatings exhibited nanocrystalline structure and possessed hardness as high as 35–37 GPa after annealing at 700 °C in air. The wettability of the CrAlSiN, TiAlSiN and AlTiN coated tungsten carbides by molten glass at temperatures between 300 °C and 700 °C in controlled air under 1.6 Pa was measured by using an improved sessile drop method. The CrAlSiN showed a low oxidation rate and a non-wetting characteristic superior to TiAlSiN and AlTiN coatings.

► The deposited CrAlSiN and TiAlSiN coatings exhibited nanocrystalline structure.
► The deposited CrAlSiN and TiAlSiN coatings possessed hardness as high as 35–37 GPa after annealing.
► A protective Al2O3–Cr2O3 mixed layer was formed on top of the Cr0.46Al0.48Si0.06N during oxidation.
► The Cr0.46Al0.48Si0.06N possessed the best oxidation resistance.
► The largest contact angle and the lowest wettability are shown in case of Cr0.46Al0.48Si0.06N.