• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2007

Quaternary TiZrAlN nanocomposite thin films were synthesized by Closed-Field Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering (CFUBMS), and their microstructure and mechanical characteristics were examined. The grain refinement of the TiZrAlN nanocomposite thin films was controlled by adjusting the $N_2$ partial pressure. The hardness of the film varied with the $N_2$ partial pressure and the maximum value was obtained approximately 47 GPa. It was also confirmed that there is a critical value of the grain size($d_c$) to need maximum hardness.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.137-143
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• 2005

CrSiN coatings of stepwise changing Si concentration were deposited on stainless steel by closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering (CFUBM) system. Microstructure of the films due to the Si concentration is measured by XRD. The corrosion behavior of CrSiN coatings in deaerated $3.5\%$ NaCl solution was investigated by potentiodynamic test, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface analyses. The microstructure of CrSiN film depends on the Si concentration. When Si/(Cr+si) was under $11.7\%$, preferred orientation is defined at CrN(220), CrN(311) and $Cr_2N(111).$ The results of potentiodynamic polarization tests showed that the corrosion current density and porosity decreased with increasing Si/(Cr+si) ratio. EIS measurements showed that the corrosion resistance of Si-bearing CrN was improved by phase transformation of the film, which leads to increase of pore resistance and charge transfer resistance. At the Si(Cr+si) ratio of 20, the Si-bearing CrN possesses the best corrosion resistance due to the highest pore resistance and charge transfer resistance.