TIN AND CRN PVD COATINGS ON ELECTROLESS NICKEL-COATED STEEL SUBSTRATES

Plasma-assisted (PA) PVD ceramic coatings such as TiN have so far achi eved only very limited use on cheap low-alloy steels, owing to problem s relating to both corrosion resistance and the need for load support from the underlying material. Here we report tests to assess the wear and corrosion performance of TiN and CrN PAPVD coatings on phosphorus- doped electroless nickel (ENiP)-coated steels. It is shown that this r oute offers a potentially cost-effective means of utilising PAPVD cera mic films on lower grade steels. In particular, CrN/ENiP on AISI 304 s tainless steel is shown to exhibit a promising combination of wet abra sion resistance with good corrosion properties.