The main objective of this project is to obtain a new variety of superhard nanostructured coatings, based on nc-TiN/a-Si₃N₄ and nc-TiAlN/a- Si₃N₄ nanocomposites (nc-nanocrystalline, a-amorphous), with high microhardness, good adhesion to substrate, low internal stress, resistance against wear, corrosion and oxidation, low friction coefficient, high fracture toughness.

The approach of the project can be divided into three main objectives:

-    to obtain TiSiN and TiAlSiN superhard nanocomposite coatings by using an unique PVD deposition method based on the cathodic arc technique (SUperhard NAnocomposited COating Deposition-SUNACOD);  

-    to improve the characteristics of TiSiN and TiAlSiN films by:

• building up a novel film architecture consisting of alternate nc – SH/Me films, where nc – SH is a superhard nanocomposite (nc – TiSiN or nc – TiAlSiN) and Me is a soft metal (Ti, Ni or Cu);

• adding in the film composition of TiSiN and TiAlSiN of small amounts (3-5%) of Cr, B or Y, elements which are known to enhance the oxidation resistance, chemical stability at high temperatures and cutting performance of hard coatings.

-    dissemination of the results.