Comparison of the tribological properties of the AlCrN and TiAlN coatings deposited over AISI 420 steel

Abstract

In this work, the tribological properties of the AlCrN and TiAlN coatings deposited by PVD process over AISI 420 steel were compared. The microstructure and the thickness of the coatings were analyzed by optic microscope and its hardness was measured by nanoindentation. The adhesion of the coatings to the substrate was evaluated by Scratch test with constant load and Rockwell C indentation tests. In addition, the wear behavior of the coatings was assessed by abrasive wear test (ASTM G65) and by sliding pin-on-disk test (ASTM G99), where the wear volume loss and the friction coefficient were evaluated. Both coatings showed similar thickness. The AlCrN coating showed better adhesion tests and a better performance under different wear conditions than the TiAlN ones.