Structure and mechanical properties of reactive sputtering CrSiN films

CrSiN films with various Si contents were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering using the co-deposition of Cr and Si targets in the presence of the reactive gas mixture. Comparative studies on microstructure and mechanical properties between CrN and CrSiN films with various Si contents were carried out. The structure of the CrSiN films was found to change from crystalline to amorphous structure as the Si contents increase. Amorphous phase of Si₃N₄ compound was suggested to exist in the CrSiN film. The growth of films has been observed from continuous columnar structure, granular structure to glassy-like appearance morphology with the increase of silicon content. The film fracture changed from continuous columnar structure, granular structure to glassy-like appearance morphology with the increase of silicon content. Two hardness peaks of the films as function of Si contents have been discussed.