Structural evolution, wear and corrosion failure mechanisms of CrN coating synthesized by applying gradient voltage and arc-enhanced glow discharge

A detailed characterization was conducted to investigate the mechanical, wear and corrosion properties of CrN coatings deposited using a duplex technique combining gradient voltage (GV) and arc-enhanced glow discharge (AEGD). The absence of GV+AEGD resulted in the formation of large particles embedded in CrN coating, which adversely affected its toughness, density, and resistance to wear and corrosion. Remarkably, the implementation of GV+AEGD effectively mitigated particle agglomeration and promoted a compact growth texture in CrN coating. Consequently, besides exhibiting exceptional toughness and wear resistance, the CrN coating demonstrated outstanding corrosion resistance. The structural evolution, wear and corrosion failure mechanisms of CrN coatings with or without GV+AEGD were comprehensively discussed.