Corrosion Resistance in Artificial Perspiration of Cr-Based Decorative Coatings

Abstract

We aim at developing hexavalent chromium-free coatings for frequently touched decorative parts. Cr(N,O) and multilayered CrN/CrO coatings were deposited by means of reactive magnetron sputtering. All samples presented good adhesion to the substrates enhanced by an epoxy layer designed to enhance PVD coating adhesion. Similar substrates are found in the automotive industry and can be used in appliances where a metallic finish is desired by the consumer. Corrosion behavior was induced, using artificial sweat to simulate long exposure to human touch for 96 h. In potentiodynamic polarization tests, the coatings were revealed to be nobler than the substrate alone. Cr displayed a non-existent passivation region, while gCrN exhibited a quick passivation of the surface and its respective breakdown and several current fluctuations, indicating the occurrence of pitting, which was confirmed by SEM micrography after the corrosion. Regarding EIS results, all films depicted a diminution of impedance modulus (|Z|) after 96 h, which indicates a diminution of corrosion resistance against artificial sweat. Nitride films exhibited the worst anticorrosive features. On the other hand, Cr and CrO exhibited the highest |Z| values. These results are corroborated by low the corrosion rates of both coatings. The equivalent electrical circuit allows us to confirm oxide formation in the outermost layer of the films due to electrolyte/surface interaction, indicating a self-protecting mechanism. Nitride films showed the lowest values and less corrosion resistance, confirming the results obtained in polarization potentiodynamic tests. The coatings developed in this work, namely Cr and CrO, showed a promising corrosion resistance behavior that could endure a lifetime of frequent human touch in various decorative applications either automotive or general appliances.