Microstructures and properties of Zr/CrN multilayer coatings fabricated by multi-arc ion plating

Zr/CrN multilayer coatings with different modulation ratios were fabricated by multi-arc ion plating. By virtue of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), the influences of modulation ratios on coatings microstructures were investigated. The corrosion and wear behaviors of coatings in seawater solutions were evaluated. Results showed that the textures and properties of Zr/CrN multilayer coatings depended on the modulation ratios. The hardness, corrosion resistances and tribological performances of Zr/CrN multilayer coatings increased as the increase of individual CrN layers thickness. Multilayer coating with thick CrN layer exhibited superior anti-corrosion and tribological performances. The high charge transfer resistance maybe contribute to the better corrosion resistances, while the wear mechanisms were identified as oxidation wear. •Zr/CrN multilayer coatings with different modulation ratios were fabricated.•The textures and properties of multilayer coatings depended on modulation ratios.•Coatings with thick CrN layer possess superior wear and corrosion resistances.•Multilayer coatings presented delamination layer by layer.•The main wear mechanism for Zr/CrN multilayer coatings was oxidation wear.