Structure and Properties of ZrON Coatings Synthesized by Cathodic Arc Evaporation.

The transition metal oxynitrides are a coating material with decorative features due to their adjustable color and good mechanical properties. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of the relative oxygen concentration O = O/(N + O) in particular on adhesion, but also on the color, structural and mechanical properties of ZrON coatings synthesized by cathodic arc evaporation on HS6-5-2 steel substrates. The surface morphology, phase and chemical composition and mechanical properties were determined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nanoindentation and scratch test.