Modification of the structure and properties of gradient nanocrystalline coatings Ti-Al- Si-Cu-N by annealing in vacuum

The nanocrystalline gradient coatings system Ti-Al-Si-Cu-N were annealed in the temperature range of 500– 1100°C. Their composition, structure, and mechanical properties were studied by methods of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, scratch test, and measurement of nanohardness. It is shown that the diffusion of substrate elements has a crucial impact on the heat-activated processes of structure recovery, the growth of crystal size and the properties of materials. This results in nanocomposite structure with high adhesion characteristics of the coatings