High temperature oxidation resistance of CrN/(Ti, Al, Zr, Cr)N bilayer films deposited by multi-arc ion plating

CrN/(Ti, Al, Zr, Cr) N bilayer films were successfully deposited on cemented carbide (WC-8%Co) substrates by multi-arc ion plating process using two Ti-Al-Zr alloy targets and one pure Cr target. As a result of bilayered structure and addition of alloying elements (e. g. Al and Cr), the films exhibited excellent high temperature oxidation resistance under both short-term isothermal (up to 800 °C) and long-term cyclic (up to 600 °C) exposure conditions. Combined with pre-established outstanding tribological properties (e. g. maximum hardness of 4000 HV0.01 and maximum adhesion strength over 200 N), these observations make such films quite a promising candidate to extend the cutting tool life span and boost the performance in high-productivity, high-speed and high-feed cutting or in dry machining conditions.