Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>AlCrNbTiVCe nitride coatings containing Ce were prepared by magnetron sputtering. The effects of Ce on the microstructure and mechanical and tribological behaviors of the coatings were examined. The results demonstrate that the (AlCrNbTiVCe)N coatings doped with different amounts of Ce exhibit face-centered cubic (FCC) phases. Doping with 4.3% Ce improves the structure, refines the grains, and increases hardness of the coating, thus enhancing the resistance of the coating to plastic and elastic deformation and improving its tribological properties. The coefficient of friction and wear rate of the coating with 4.3 at% Ce was drastically lower than that of the undoped Ce coating. By adjusting the content of Ce, the (AlCrNbTiVCe)N coatings exhibit exceptional mechanical and tribological properties, making this material a promising candidate for tribological protective coatings.</p>