Corrosion Resistance of TiAlN/ZrN and TiCrN/ZrN Multilayers during Heat Treatment

Titanium-based nitride coatings on cutting tools, press molds and dies can prolong their life cycle because of superior corrosion and oxidation resistance of coatings. In this study, TiAlN/ZrN and TiCrN/ZrN multilayer coatings were prepared by R.F magnetron sputtering, and microstructural evolution and corrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated during heat treatment. The TiAlN/ZrN and TiCrN/ZrN multilayer coatings were degraded by heating up to 600 oC with formation of oxides particles on the surface. During the heat treatment, the TiCrN/ZrN and TiAlN/ZrN multilayer coatings showed the lowest corrosion current density and the highest polarization resistance at temperature range of 400 oC and 500 oC. Consequently, the TiAlN/ZrN and TiCrN/ZrN multilayer coatings showed good corrosion resistance at temperature range of 400°C and 500°C during heating.