The influence of alloying elements on the phase stability and mechanical properties of AlCrN coatings

Six high aluminum AlCr targets equally containing 5 at.% of Ti, V, Y, Nb, Mo and W respectively, were used to deposit alloyed aluminum chromium nitride thin films using the reactive cathodic arc deposition technique. Although the NaCl-type crystal structure was maintained for these transition metals, X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that the microstructure becomes partly amorphous in the case of the yttrium doped sample. Results from nano-indentation tests and annealing experiments reveal a notable influence of the alloying elements in the mechanical and oxidation resistance behavior of high aluminum chromium nitride coatings. Also, the potential for alloyed AlCrN coatings as tool coating materials is briefly discussed.