Microstructure and mechanical properties of a CrCN/Cr multilayer film

Abstract CrCN/Cr multilayer films were synthesized by multi-arc ion plating deposition technique, and the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of films were systematically investigated. The results showed that the thickness of the CrCN and Cr layers in CrCN/Cr multilayer films was between 2.1 μm to 0.45 μm and 90 nm, respectively. X-Ray diffraction results indicated that the composite films were composed of CrN, Cr7C3 and metallic Cr phase, then the mechanical and tribological properties results confirmed that the multilayer structure not only increased the hardness and toughness of the CrCN multilayer film but also decreased the friction coefficient (16%) and wear rate (45%) when compared with a CrN film. This result was attributed to the presence of a complete and dense lubricating film on the worn surface. Therefore, the excellent performance of the CrCN/Cr multilayer films supports their potential application as a replacement for CrN films in industrial applications.