Effects of the different interlayer deposition processes on the microstructure of Cr/tiN coating

Abstract

Cr/TiN coatings were deposited on the surface of Zircaloy-4 alloy by physical vapor deposition. The Cr interlayers were prepared by magnetron sputtering (MS) and multi-arc ion plating (MAIP), respectively. To elucidate the effects of the different interlayer processes on the microstructure of Cr/TiN coating, the morphological features, components of surface particles, surface roughness, bonding strength, phase constituents, and high-temperature oxidation resistance were carefully investigated. In comparison to the Cr/TiN coating with the Cr interlayer prepared by the MS, the Cr/TiN coating with the Cr interlayer prepared by the MAIP exhibits a blurry bonding interface and higher coating roughness. Interestingly, the latter one has lower surface porosity, together with better adhesion and higher oxidation resistance.