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Multilayer-like CrN and Cr1−xAlxN coatings with different Al contents were deposited onto a stainless steel substrate using dynamic glancing angle deposition direct current magnetron sputtering (DGLAD dcMS) in a N rich atmosphere to understand the role of Al on the growth of the films and mechanical properties of the nitrides with a multilayer architecture. Chemical analysis by means of energy dispersive analysis (EDS) and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) depth profiling revealed that while CrN samples were close to stoichiometric, the Cr1−xAlxN coatings presented excess N between 70 and 80% at. An expressive change in texture was observed as the CrN coating changed its preferred orientation from (111) to (200) with the addition of Al, followed by a modification in morphology from grains with faceted pyramidal tops in CrN to dome-shaped grains in Cr1−xAlxN coatings. Multilayer-like nanostructures of corrugated grains were produced with a periodicity of approximately 30 nm using dynamic glancing angle deposition. The deposition rate was drastically reduced with an increase of Al, meanwhile, the best mechanical performance was achieved for the coating with a higher content of Al, with hardness up to 27 GPa and a higher value of maximum resistance to plastic deformation.

Hard coatings are a suitable solution for increasing the lifetime of tools and components employed in different industrial applications. Coatings of transition metal nitrides have great use for tribological applications due to due to their unique mechanical properties. Although widely employed, current deposition methods such as cathodic arc evaporation produce coatings with many defects, which in turn reduce the resistance to wear, especially under severe conditions. High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering is a novel physical vapor deposition technique that produces homogeneous coatings. In this study, CrN and CrAlN monolayer coatings were deposited on AISI 304 stainless steel substrates using HiPIMS. X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy were used to evaluate the microstructure, phase composition, morphology and chemical composition of the coating. Results showed that HiPIMS is a promising technique to deposit CrN and CrAlN homogeneous coatings with high hardness and good adhesion to the substrate.

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