# Assessment of the Mechanical Performance of AlCrSiN Coating Implanted with Zr and Ta Ions

## TL;DR

This study examines how implanting Zr and Ta ions affects the mechanical properties of AlCrSiN coatings on a cermet substrate.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the demonstration that Zr/Ta ion implantation improves coating adhesion and damage resistance despite reducing hardness.

## Key findings

- Ion implantation reduced hardness and elastic modulus of AlCrSiN coatings.
- Zr and Ta implantation improved adhesion and reduced surface damage in mechanical tests.
- Ta implantation showed the best performance in structural integrity and damage resistance.

## Abstract

This study explores the impact of Zr and Ta ion implantation on the mechanical performance of an AlCrSiN quaternary coating deposited on a WC-Co cermet substrate. Nanoindentation tests revealed a decrease in hardness and elastic modulus after ion implantation, compared to unimplanted coatings. Moreover, microscratch and contact damage tests demonstrated improved adhesion and reduced surface damage for ion-implanted samples, with Ta implantation exhibiting the best performance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and focused ion beam (FIB) cross-sectional analysis confirmed less severe damage in ion-implanted samples compared to unimplanted ones. These findings suggest that Zr/Ta ion implantation enhances the structural integrity and adhesion of AlCrSiN coatings under loading conditions commonly encountered in practical applications, despite a moderate reduction in intrinsic hardness and elastic modulus.