Effects of Combined Surface Modification on Adhesion Strength of CrN Coatings for STS420

In order to improve the durability and performance of molds and tools, diverse methods of surface modification are used where the adhesion strength between a substrate and coating plays an important role. To improve adhesion strength, a combined surface modification method is often utilized. In this study, adhesion strength and microstructure of various combined surface modifications (i.e., ion-nitriding, Cr intermediate layer, CrN layer and nitrogen ion- implantation) were examined on STS420. Phase constituents, microstructure, adhesion strength and hardness of coating-substrate system with combined surface modification were examined by using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scratch test, and nano-indentation. The highest adhesion strength was observed when CrN coating was formed by nitrogen implantation on ion-nitrided substrate with a Cr-intermediate layer. Influence of processing sequence and combination is related to microstructural observations and adhesion strength.