Abstract:CrN coatings were deposited using cathodic arc evaporation in stationary system on the substrate surface faced to the plasma source and on the back surface. The effect of nitrogen pressure on the structure and phase composition, mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings was investigated. The coating morphology and structure were characterized using SEM and contact profilometry and X-ray diffractometry, respectively. Mechanical properties were studied by nanoindentation. The friction and wear properties of the coatings were investigated by ball-on-disk tribometer. An increase in nitrogen pressure during coating deposition results in phase transformation according to the relation Cr₂N → Cr₂N + CrN → CrN. The roughness of the coatings deposited on the front side of the substrate is higher than that on the back side, mainly due to larger number of macroparticles. The hardness and elastic modulus are also higher on the front side of the substrate. The adhesion and wear rate of the coatings have an inverse relationship.

Key words: chromium nitride; arc evaporation; phase composition; roughness; hardness; wear