Structure and properties of antifriction Ti–Cr–Ni–Cu–Sn–P–C–N coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering of composite SHS targets

This article focuses on the production of wear-resistant antifriction coatings by magnetron sputtering using composite SHS-fabricated cathode targets of TiCrNiC and TiCrNiC–CuSnP in Ar and Ar + 15 % N 2 atmospheres. Special attention is given to the phase composition and structure of the targets, produced via the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method. Structural charac­terization of the targets and coatings was carried out using X -ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES). The mechanical and tribological properties of the coatings were evaluated using nanoindentation, scratch testing, and pin-on-disk sliding wear tests. The resulting coatings exhibi­ted dense, defect-free microstructures with a uniform elemental distribution through the thickness. The coating matrix was primarily composed of FCC phases c -TiC(N) and c -(Ni,Cr). The addition of copper to the coating led to the formation of an additional amorphous Cu-based phase. The coatings demonstrated hardness in the range of 18–21 GPa and an elastic modulus of 220–235 GPa. High critical loads for adhesive failure were observed, reaching up to 60 N. The non-reactive Ti–Cr–Ni–C coatings exhibited the lowest friction coefficients (0.17–0.18), while other compositions showed values ranging from 0.22 to 0.25, in contrast to 0.63–0.71 for uncoated steel substrates. The specific wear rate varied between 1.1·10 –6 and 5.0·10 –6 mm 3 /(N·m) depending on the counterbody material and coating composition, which is nearly two orders of magnitude lower than that of the substrate material ((1.2÷2.7)·10 –4 mm 3 /(N·m).