Abstract
Cr2N-Ag nanocomposite thin films, containing 11 wt.% Ag solid lubricant, were deposited on substrates made of Cr-V ledeburitic tool steel Vanadis 6 by reactive magnetron sputtering at a deposition temperature of 500 °C, using pure Cr and Ag targets, in a composite low pressure Ar/N2atmosphere. The films are composed of Cr2N-matrix and Ag particles. The films have an average thickness of 4.7 μm. They grew in a columnar manner, but, individual silver agglomerates were visible along the columnar crystals, also. The average size of silver agglomerates lies well below 50 nm. Annealing of the films at temperatures below the deposition temperature do not changed composition of films, but induce higher precipitation of silver particles on the surface of films at the temperatures 300 and 400°C. On the other hand, film annealed at 500°C manifested more remarkable Ag-redistribution, being represented by the decrease in population density of Ag-particles on the surface. The key parameter for transport Ag lubricants from Cr2N matrix to the surface is the working temperature. Cr2N-Ag films could be used for specific tribological applications through proper investigation of the working temperature and conditions.
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