Structural and functional properties of Zr-Nb-O coatings deposited by PVD for vibration-resistant transport applications

The study investigates the structural and functional characteristics of zirconium-niobium oxide (Zr-Nb-O) coatings deposited using a modernized UVN-75-1 physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. The influence of deposition parameters on the microstructure, phase composition, hardness, and corrosion resistance of the coatings was systematically analyzed. X-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, and microhardness testing were used to assess structural and mechanical behavior. It was found that oxygen incorporation and the Nb content in the Zr-Nb system significantly affect coating density and phase stability. The thermally optimized coatings demonstrated enhanced hardness up to 660 HV and improved corrosion resistance compared to single-component films. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive evaluation of Zr-Nb-O coatings produced by magnetron PVD and in the establishment of correlations between discharge parameters and mechanical-corrosive performance. These coatings exhibit strong potential for vibration-resistant and corrosion-protective applications in transport engineering, particularly for components operating under cyclic loads and dynamic stresses.