Appraisal on corrosion performances of CrNi, TiAlN/CrNi and CrNi–Al2O3–TiO2 coatings on H13 hot work mold

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the salt spray corrosion (SSC) and electrochemical corrosion performances of CrNi, TiAlN/NiCr and CrNi–Al2O3–TiO2 coatings on H13 steel, which improved the corrosion resistance of H13 hot work mold. Design/methodology/approach CrNi, TiAlN/NiCr and CrNi–Al2O3–TiO2 coatings were fabricated on H13 hot work mold steel using a laser cladding and cathodic arc ion plating. The SSC and electrochemical performances of obtained coatings were investigated using a corrosion test chamber and electrochemical workstation, respectively. The corrosion morphologies, microstructure and phases were analyzed using an electron scanning microscope, optical microscope and X-ray diffraction, respectively, and the mechanisms of corrosion resistance were also discussed. Findings The CrNi coating is penetrated by corrosion media, producing the oxide of Fe3O4 on the coating surface; and the TiAlN coating is corroded to enter into the CrNi coating, forming the oxides of TiO and NiO, the mechanism is pitting corrosion, whereas the CrNi–Al2O3–TiO2 coating is not penetrated, with no oxides, showing the highest SSC resistance among the three kinds of coatings. The corrosion potential of CrNi coating, TiAlN/CrNi and CrNi–Al2O3–TiO2 coatings was –0.444, –0.481 and –0.334 V, respectively, and the corresponding polarization resistances were 3,074, 2,425 and 86,648 cm2, respectively. The electrochemical corrosion resistance of CrNi–Al2O3–TiO2 coating is the highest, which is enhanced by the additions of Al2O3 and TiO2. Originality/value The CrNi, TiAlN/CrNi and CrNi–Al2O3–TiO2 coatings on H13 hot work mold were firstly evaluated by the SSC and electrochemical performances.