Investigation of the Damage Mechanism of CrN and Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings on Precipitation-Hardened and Duplex-Treated X42Cr13/W Tool Steel by 3D Scratch Testing

Abstract The present work deals with the characterization of scratch resistance two different types coatings, i.e., chromium nitride (CrN) and diamond-like carbon prepared on X42Cr13/W (1.2083) plastic mold tool steel by physical vapor deposition plasma-enhanced chemical deposition, respectively. Our study focuses influence duplex treatment, plasma nitriding + ceramic coating steel. An advanced 3D testing methodology has been used to investigate adhesion damage mechanism during scratching. analysis is completed ball cratering test micro-Vickers determine thickness hardness coatings. results demonstrate that applied treatment an unambiguously advantageous surface technological process which manifests itself in higher loadability lower sensitivity for cracking increasing critical forces. combined substrate/coating material system enhanced harder substrate material, providing a better interfacial bonding both coatings without changing basic mechanisms.