Magnetron Sputtered NbN Films with Nb Interlayer on Mild Steel

Figure 9

Scratch test for NbN coating (deposited at N₂/Ar flow = 20%) on SS at (a) 1 N, showing start of the scratch, (b) 12 N, revealing segregation, cracks and pores, (c) 22 N displaying chipping, cracks, pores, pile-up, and (d) 32 N, showing chipping, cracks, pores, pile-up, and delamination.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)