Microstructure and properties of zirconia-alumina nanolaminate sol-gel coatings

Zirconia-alumina multilayer nanolaminate coatings were applied on stainless steel 316 substrates by a sol-gel dipping method. The coatings were charac terised using X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy. The hardness and elastic modulus, the wear resistance and the oxidation res istance of the coatings were measured and assessed. It was observed that th e coatings possessed fine grains, fine pores and high retention of tetragon al zirconia phase. The coatings exhibited high hardness and elastic modulus as well as good resistance to oxidation at high temperatures. However, the se properties may be influenced by the interactions at the coating/substrat e interface. (C) 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers.