Abstract

This study explores the development of advanced coatings with improved mechanical and tribological properties. High entropy (CrAlVTiNbMo)N coatings were fabricated using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The absence of Mo results in an amorphous structure, while Mo incorporation promotes the formation of FCC nitride phase, enhancing crystallinity. Further Mo increase leads to the formation of FCC gamma-Mo2N, which improves hardness, achieving a maximum hardness of about 32.84 GPa. Optimizing Mo content enhances adhesion strength, peaking at 58 N; however, excessive Mo induces brittle phase formation and increased residual stress, reducing adhesion strength. The coatings demonstrate superior tribological performance, with an average friction coefficient of 0.39 and a wear rate of 5 x 10-7mm3 N-1 m-1. This work provides insights into the influence of Mo content on the structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of high entropy nitrides coatings.

Keywords Plus：TOUGHNESS

Published in  CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL，Volume51；10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.05.434，SEP 2025