Interfacial Microstructure of Chromium Oxide Coatings

Abstract

This paper presents a study of chromium oxide coatings' interfacial microstructure and structural properties affecting coating performance. Amorphous chromium and chromium oxide layers about 100 nm thick were detected at the Cr/steel and the Cr/coating interfaces, providing a solution for depositing thicker mechanically stable coatings with improved hardness, smaller grain size, and smooth surface.