Abstract
$Ti_{0.26}Al_{0.16}Si_{0.01}N_{0.57}$ (at%) coatings were synthesized on stainless steel 304 by using arc ion plating systems (AIPS). Targets employed for the deposition were Ti, AlSi(67:33at%) and AlSi(82:18at%). The thickness of TiAlSiN coatings is $4{\mu}m$. The oxidation characteristics of the deposited coatings were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in air between 800 and $900^{\circ}C$ for 75 hr. The oxide scale formed on the TiAlSiN coatings consisted of $rutile-TiO_2$ layer and ${\alpha}-Al_2O_3$. At $800^{\circ}C$, the coatings oxidized relatively slowly, and the scales were thin and adherent. When oxidized above $900^{\circ}C$, $TiO_2$ grew fast over the mixed oxide layer, and the oxide scale formed on TiAlSiN coatings was prone to spallation. Microstructural changes of the TiAlSiN coatings that occurred during high temperature oxidation were investigated by EPMA, XRD, SEM and TEM.