substrate parts should be sealed before introducing the sample into the decoration solution because very 
rapid cementation of copper on bare substrate can easily extend to the neighbouring coated sites. 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
L5 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
Fig. 8: SEM image of a heavily copper decorated crater on a TiN coated steel (tilt angle 57°). 
21 
4. Conclusions 
{ The copper decoration technique can be applied successfully to investigate coating defects extending 
through the entire coating. 
2 The peripheries of droplets and craters in PVD coatings are sources of potential defect sites 
extending through the coating. 
» Both Zr-B and TiN coatings are inherently porous in character. 
4  Zr-B-N coatings do not possess inherent porosity. 
References 
1 C. Mitterer, A. Ubleis, R. Ebner, Mater. Sci. Eng., A140 (1991) 670. 
2 C. Mitterer, P. Losbichler, W.S.M. Werner, H. Stori, J. Barounig, Surf. Coat. Technol., 54/55 (1992) 
329, 
! E. Brandstetter, C. Mitterer, R. Ebner, Thin Solid Films, 201 (1991) 123. 
+ T. Cem, Graduation Study, istanbul Technical University, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, 
February 1992. 
i A. Ubleis, C. Mitterer, R. Ebner, Surf. Coat. Technol., 60 (1993) 571. 
6 H. Jehn, G. Reiners, N. Siegel, DIN-Fachbericht 39, Charakterisierung diinner Schichten, Beuth- 
Verlag, Berlin, 1993, p. 111-119. 
450  Prakt. Met. Sonderbd. 26 (1995)