Rapid thermal annealing of Cr–Si–N, Ta–Si–N, and Zr–Si–N coatings in glass molding atmospheres

Glass molding is widely used for manufacturing high-precision optical elements. Nitride coatings are recommended as protective coatings on glass molding dies. In a die-fixed glass molding system, the molding dies undergo rapid thermal shocks. In this study, near-amorphous Cr–Si–N, Ta–Si–N, and Zr–Si–N coatings with a Si concentration of >14 at.% were prepared. The feasibility of these coatings in the glass molding process was evaluated through...