Structure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of PVD gradient coatings deposited onto the X40CrMoV5-1 hot work tool steel substrate

This paper presents research results on the structure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of TiAlN, TiCN and AlSiCrN gradient coatings deposited by PVD methods on the X40CrMoV5-1 steel substrate. The coatings demonstrated columnar structure as well as good adhesion to the substrate, the latter not only being the effect of adhesion but also by the transition zone between the coating and the substrate, developed as a result of diffusion and high-energy ion action that caused mixing of the elements in the interface zone. The critical load LC2 lies within the range of 46-59 N, depending on the coating type.