Mechanical and Tribological Properties of CrN Coated Inconel X750

Three CrN coatings were deposited on the Inconel X750 through the metal vapor vacuum arc ion implantation and the magnetic filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition system (MEVVA-FCVA) with the N2 flow rates of 10, 50, and 100 sccm, respectively. The surface morphologies and cross-section morphologies of the CrN coatings were obtained through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an optical profilometer. The microstructures of the coatings were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hardness and the elastic modulus of the coatings were tested by a nano-hardness tester. The adhesion strength and friction coefficients were investigated through scratch tests and ball-on-disk tests and the wear tracks were tested by the optical profilometer. The experimental results indicate that the CrN coating deposited on the Inconel X750 substrate displays a uniform thickness and a smooth surface. The mechanical properties behaves well as the N2 flow rate varies. The CrN coating significantly reduces the friction coefficient fluctuation and improves the antiadhesion and anti-wear properties of the Inconel X750.