Mechanical and Tribological Properties of ZrCuN Coatings by a Co‐Deposition Method of Arc and HiPIMS Techniques

In this study, ZrCuN coatings, with doping Cu into ZrN coating, are prepared by a co‐deposition method, which has enabled the benefits of cathodic arc and high‐power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) techniques. This study systematically investigates how Cu doping affects the microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological behavior of the coatings. The results indicate that the co‐deposition process can effectively inhibit the generation of large particles during arc deposition, thereby improving the density and uniformity of the coatings. The frictional performance of the coatings was enhanced by the incorporation of Cu due to its self‐lubricating property. With the doping of Cu, the wear mechanisms of the ZrCuN coating changes intense abrasive and adhesive wear to slight adhesive wear. The wear rate of ZrCuN coatings is effectively reduced as compared with ZrN coatings by arc deposition. At a HiPIMS power of 1.5 kW, the wear rate was just 4.95 × 10⁻⁶ mm³ N⁻¹ m⁻¹, which shows a 78.8% reduction as compared to that of ZrN coatings. This study provides a promising approach for the development of self‐lubricating coatings with superior wear resistance.