Effect of nitrogen atmosphere heat treatment on structure and wear behavior of CrAlSiN nanocomposite film

This study used cathodic arc deposition technique to synthesize CrAlSiN coatings on JIS SKD61 steel substrates. The coated specimens were heat-treated at 600 °C for 1 h in a N2 atmosphere. Microstructure analysis (X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy), nanoindentation tests, and wear tests were conducted to explore the post-heating effect on the microstructure, hardness, and wear behavior of the coatings. The results showed that the as-coated film consisted of CrN and AlN multilayer mixed phases. After post-heating treatment, an additional Cr2N phase was formed in the film, resulting in a remarkable increase in the coating hardness from 26.4 to 42.0 GPa. JIS SKD61 tool steel coated with the post-heated CrAlSiN film showed considerable improvement in wear resistance.