Characterization of (Tix Cr0.6−x)N0.4 coatings and their tribological behaviors against an epoxy molding compound

Five graded (Tix Cr0.6−x)N0.4 coatings were deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputtering. These coatings were first characterized using XRD, TMA, glow discharge spectroscopy and Raman, to understand their basic properties and oxidation resistance. The focus was then on the comparison of wear resistance among these coatings against epoxy molding compounds. The results show that the properties and wear resistance of the ternary coatings depend strongly on the composition ratio of Ti and Cr. Cromium remarkably enhances TiN coatingʹs oxidation resistance and therefore, wear resistance against molding compound. All of the Ti–Cr–N ternary coating exhibit better wear performance against EMC than TiN coating.