The influence of nitrogen concentration on the microstructure and mechanical properties of (TiVCrNbMo)N high-entropy nitride coatings

Abstract Using the double cathode glow discharge approach, a new (TiVCrNbMo)N high-entropy nitride (HEN) coating was created at different N 2 /Ar flow rates on the CP-Ti substrate. Vickers hardness testing, friction-and-wear testing, and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the effects of various nitrogen-pressure settings on the coating’s microstructure and mechanical characteristics. Higher hardness is exhibited by the high-entropy nitride coating in comparison to the CP-Ti matrix, and this hardness is enhanced when the N 2 :Ar flow ratio increases. The coating has a lower friction coefficient and wear rate than the CP-Ti matrix, according to the findings of the friction-and-wear trials. Furthermore, the coating’s resistance to wear and friction is significantly enhanced by the increase in nitrogen concentration.