Preparation and tribological performance of CrAlTiCN coatings on 316L and TC4 substrates in sea water

The CrAlTiCN coatings have been prepared by multi-arc ion plating technology on 316L and TC4 substrates, respectively. The microstructure of the prepared CrAlTiCN coatings has been characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy disperse spectroscopy, respectively. The mechanical properties, electrochemical corrosion behaviour and tribological performance of the prepared coatings were tested by microhardness tester, scratch tester, electrochemical workstation, and friction and wear tester, respectively. Results show that all the coatings includes many nanocrystalline and presents compact structure, weak columnar crystal structure and refine grain. The prepared coating on TC4 titanium alloy substrate presents a better tribological performance than that on 316L stainless steel substrate.