Effect of interlayers on the structure and properties of TiAlSiN coatings deposited on high-speed steel substrate

TiAlSiN coatings with Ti or Cr interlayers were deposited on high-speed steel using magnetron sputtering methods. The structure, crystal morphology and mechanical properties were investigated systematically. The results show that (200) is the dominant preferred orientation in Ti/TiAlSiN coating, while (111) become the predominant orientation of the deposited Cr/TiAlSiN coating, which is related to the surface energy. Due to the changes of the coating growth style, the Cr/TiAlSiN coating shows columnar crystals morphology. The Ti/TiAlSiN coating performs better adhesion and H/E ratio, which is proved to have better wear resistance. But the specimens with Cr interlayer have better hardness and elastic modulus, which is due to the growth style of the crystals.