Effect of nitrogen partial pressure on Al–Ti–N films deposited by arc ion plating

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 258; no. 5; pp. 1819 - 1825
• Main Authors: Cai, Fei, Zhang, Shihong, Li, Jinlong, Chen, Zhong, Li, Mingxi, Wang, Lei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.12.2011
• Subjects: Adhesion; Adhesive strength; AlTiN film; Aluminum; Arc deposition; Deposition; Hardness; Ion plating; Macroparticles; Nanoindentation; Partial pressure; Strength; AlTiN film; Adhesion; Macroparticles; Nanoindentation
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.10.053

► We prepared the Al–Ti–N films with high Al contents by multi-arc ion plating. ► We examined the structure of the Al–Ti–N films by XRD and XPS. ► We systematically evaluated the macroparticles, hardness and adhesion strength of the Al–Ti–N films. AlTiN films with different nitrogen partial pressures were deposited using arc ion plating (AIP) technique. In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of the nitrogen partial pressure on composition, deposition efficiency, microstructure, macroparticles (MPs), hardness and adhesion strength of the AlTiN films. The results showed that with increasing the nitrogen partial pressure, the deposition rate exhibited a maximum at 1.2 Pa. Results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that AlTiN films were comprised of Ti–N and Al–N bonds. XRD results showed that the films exhibited a (1 1 1) preferred growth, and AlTi 3N and TiAl x phases were observed in the film deposited at 1.7 Pa. Analysis of MPs statistics showed MPs decreased with the increase in the nitrogen partial pressure. In addition, the film deposited at 1.2 Pa possessed the maximum hardness of 38 GPa and the better adhesion strength.