Abstract
Microhardness is one of the key mechanical properties of hard protective coatings. However, the result obtained by measurement is strongly dependent on the load applied, as well as on the sample preparation. In this study, microhardness was analysed using stepwise indentation with the simultaneous measurement of load-depth characteristics. Conventional indentation with optical evaluation of indentation size was used for comparison. The range of applied loads was 30–1000 mN. Beside microhardness, Young's modulus and deformation energy were also measured. Steel discs covered with 1.5–2.5 μm thick coatings were used as test samples. Single-layer coatings (CrN, TiAlN) as well as multilayer coatings (CrN/TiAlN, CrN/TiN, TiN/Ti) were investigated. Additionally, polished cross-sections of the samples were prepared and micro/nanohardness depth profile was measured at 30 mN/150 μN.
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