Evaluation of crack resistance of CrSiCN coatings as a function of Si concentration via nanoindentation

Qianzhi Wang, Zhiwei Wu, Fei Zhou, Hu Huang, Keiichiro Niitsu, Jiwang Yan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A series of CrSiCN coatings with various Si concentrations were deposited on Si(100) wafers, and the influence of Si content on the microstructure, mechanical property and crack resistance of the coatings was investigated by XRD, Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation. After introducing (CH3)3SiH into precursor from 5sccm to 30sccm, the Si concentration increased from 0.97 at.% to 7.00 at.% with gradually increasing formation of amorphous SiCx and SiNx. Under low Si concentration (0.97-3.40 at.%) condition, solid solution effect and formation of nc-Cr(C,N)/a-SiNx(a-SiCx) architecture caused an increase in hardness from 18.1GPa to 21.3GPa. In contrast, at high Si concentration (5.35-7.00 at.%), larger grain separation, which resulted from the increase of a-SiNx(a-SiCx), led to a drop of hardness to a low range of 13.0-13.6 GPa and a decrease in compressive stress from 4.74 GPa to 2.78GPa. As a result, superior elasticity and high compressive stress prevented the CrSiCN (Si<3.40 at.%) coatings from radial crack, whereas the CrSiCN (Si≥3.40 at.%) coatings confronted. However, after unloading, unbalance of high compressive stress (4.74 and 4.83GPa) in CrCN and CrSiCN (0.97 at.%) coatings initiated cracks parallel to the indenter edge. On account of favorable H/E, H3/E2 and compressive stress, the CrSiCN coating with 2.05 at.% Si presented the best mechanical property and crack resistance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)239-245
Number of pages7
JournalSurface and Coatings Technology
Volume272
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015 Jun 25

Keywords

  • Crack
  • Nanoindentation
  • PVD coatings
  • Residual stress
  • SEM

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

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