Corrosion Damage Mechanism of TiN/ZrN Nanoscale Multilayer Anti-Erosion Coating

Abstract

TiN/ZrN multilayers can effectively improve the erosion resistance of metals, particularly titanium alloys employed in aero engines. To explore the corrosion damage mechanism of TiN/ZrN nanoscale multilayers (nanolaminate), a novel [TiN/ZrN]100 nanolaminate coating was deposited on Ti-6Al-4V alloys by multi-arc ion plating method. Salt spray corrosion tests and hot corrosion experiment were carried out to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the coating. The corrosion and damage mechanisms were explored with the help of detailed microstructure, phase composition and element distribution characterizations. The salt spray corrosion tests showed that the [TiN/ZrN]100 nanolaminate coating possessed good corrosion resistance, which protected substrate against the corrosion. The low temperature hot corrosion tests showed that the oxidation occurred on the surface of the coating, which improved the oxidation resistance of the sample. However, the oxidized droplets squeezed the coating, and destroyed the oxidized layers. As a result, the coating was peeled off from the substrate. The research highlights the corrosion resistance of the novel TiN/ZrN nanolaminate coating and offers a support for their application in engine compressor blade.