Influence of bilayer period and thickness ratio on the mechanical and tribological properties of CrSiN/TiAlN multilayer coatings

► We deposit nanostructured CrSiN/TiAlN multilayer coatings. ► We examine changes in bilayer periods and thickness ratios. ► Increasing TiAlN layer thickness will increase the hardness/toughness of the coating. ► Optimal mechanical properties are obtained when the bilayer period is at 10 nm.