In this work, the endurance of TiAlSiN nanocomposite thin films subjected to tribological solicitation is studied. These coating were deposited on M2 steel substrate by magnetron sputtering. Dry sliding experiments were conducted at ambient temperature against WC-Co ball. Coefficients of friction, wear rates and endurances were correlated with the composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, residual stress and adhesion of the coatings. The hardness and elastic modulus were found dependent not only on the composition but also on the residual stress induced by the deposition process. Friction coefficient was found to be independent on Si content while the wear rate is strongly reduced for higher Si contents. The formation of a nanocomposite microstructure, the amount of amorphous Si-based phase and both, wear resistance and adhesion are shown as the critical factors to determine the endurance of the coating. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Authors thank the financial support from EC (project NoE EXCELL and CA NANOINDENT), Spanish Ministry MICINN (CONSOLIDER FUNCOAT) and Junta de Andalucía.

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