Micro-scratch study of a magnetron-sputtered Zr-based metallic-glass film

Using the micro-scratch technique, the tribological behavior of ZrCuAlNi metallic-glass films on 316L stainless steel was studied. With the application of ramping load, the critical load of about 110 mN was determined, at which the coefficient of friction increased sharply and the indenter penetration depth reached the film thickness. No clear evidence of film debonding was found, which, together with the observation of multiple shear bands, indicated good adhesion and ductility of the metallic-glass film. When subjected to constant loads, the coefficient of friction increased rapidly once the critical load was passed. The scratch results and the scanning-electron microscopy observations demonstrated good adhesion between the film and the substrate, which may be due to the good interfacial bonding and low residual stress in the film.