title: Improved Corrosion Resistance and Mechanical Properties of CrN Hard Coatings with an Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3 Interlayer.
abstract: A new approach was adopted to improve the corrosion resistance of CrN hard coatings by inserting a Al2O3 layer through atomic layer deposition. The influence of the addition of a Al2O3 interlayer, its thickness, and the position of its insertion on the microstructure, surface roughness, corrosion behavior, and mechanical properties of the coatings was investigated. The results indicated that addition of a dense atomic layer deposited Al2O3 interlayer led to a significant decrease in the average grain size and surface roughness and to greatly improved corrosion resistance and corrosion durability of CrN coatings while maintaining their mechanical properties. Increasing the thickness of the Al2O3 interlayer and altering its insertion position so that it was near the surface of the coating also resulted in superior performance of the coating. The mechanism of this effect can be explained by the dense Al2O3 interlayer acting as a good sealing layer that inhibits charge transfer, diffusion of corrosive substances, and dislocation motion.
authors.forename: Zhixin
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wan
authors.forename: Teng Fei
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Incheon National University , 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 22012, South Korea.
authors.forename: Han-Bo-Ram
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: System Solution Research Group, Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology , 67 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, 37673 Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Hoon
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Smart Electronics Technical Support Center, Busan Techno-Park, Busan 46742, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Woo Chang
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University , Seoul 03722, South Korea.
authors.forename: Byungchan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Kwang Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Se-Hun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kwon
keywords: Al2O3 interlayer; atomic layer deposition; corrosion protection; hard coatings; mechanical properties