Comparison of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Nitride and Oxynitride Coatings Based on Chrome and Zirconium Obtained by Cathodic Arc Evaporation

Abstract

The results of the investigation of the microstructure, crystal lattice parameter, roughness, microhardness, elasticity modulus, friction coefficient, specific volumetric wear, and adhesion strength for CrN, ZrN, Zr–O–N, and Cr–O–N coatings are presented. The coatings are formed by cathodic arc evaporation and have a cubic lattice. Addition of oxygen to the nitride CrN and ZrN coatings leads to the lattice parameter increasing and the crystallite size decreasing simultaneously. The oxynitride coatings, Cr–O–N and Zr–O–N, possess improved tribological properties in comparison with nitride coatings.