Influence of composition and structure on the mechanical properties of BCN coatings deposited by thermal CVD

BCN films were deposited by isothermal chemical vapour deposition from gaseous mixtures of trimethylborazine, toluene and ammonia. The films were analysed with respect to chemical state, composition, morphology and microstructure on the one side oxidation behaviour and hardness on the other side. X-ray spectroscopy (WDX), Raman and infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron spectroscopy were employed for film characterization. A microhardness of maximum 20 GPa was achieved, affected by carbon content, by the way of its incorporation into the hexagonal turbostratic lattice as well as by the crystallite size and its texture.