ZrN coating is an alternative candidate to replace the conventional TiN coating especially for high temperature oxidation resistance applications. ZrN coatings of varying thickness (1·5, 2·0, 2·5, 3·0 and 4·0 μm) were deposited on 316 stainless steel substrates by cathodic arc evaporation in a reactive nitrogen atmosphere. The influences of lamellae thickness on the microstructure, tribological and corrosive properties of the films were investigated. The coefficient of steady state friction of the films ranged from 0·213 to 0·659. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was tested in 1 N H2SO4 solution. The results indicate that the microstructure, wear and corrosion properties of the films were dependent on lamellae thicknesses and film structure.
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