Effect of the number of layers in Zr-Y-O/Si-Al-N multilayer coatings on their mechanical properties and wear resistance

The peculiarities of the wear of multilayer coatings comprised of crystalline Zr-Y-O and amorphous Si-Al-N layers during tribological tests under conditions of dry friction are investigated. It is shown that the simultaneous development of the abrasive and adhesive wear mechanisms gives rise to the extreme dependence of the wear resistance of specified coatings on the number of layers. The major factors that allow one to enhance the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the investigated coatings are discussed.