A comparative study on high-temperature air oxidation of Cr-coated E110 zirconium alloy deposited by magnetron sputtering and electroplating

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2022-03, Vol.433, p.128134, Article 128134
• Main Authors: Sidelev, D.V., Poltronieri, C., Bestetti, M., Krinitcyn, M.G., Grudinin, V.A., Kashkarov, E.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Chromium; Chromium coatings; Coatings; Comparative studies; Electroplating; High temperature air; High-temperature oxidation; Interlayers; Magnetron sputtering; Mechanical properties; Oxidation; Oxidation resistance; Plating; Surface activation; Thickness; Zirconium alloys; Zirconium base alloys
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2022.128134

Chromium coatings were deposited either by magnetron sputtering and electroplating on E110 zirconium alloy. The as-deposited Cr coatings showed dense microstructure, but different mechanical properties and adhesion behavior depending on the deposition technology. High-temperature oxidation was performed in air at 1100 °C for 40 min. The magnetron-deposited coatings had a stable oxidation behavior which was improved by increasing coating thickness. Surface activation of E110 alloy prior to Cr electroplating resulted in formation of the interlayer with a thickness of 7–12 μm between the coating and the alloy containing hydride and fluoride phases. It was shown that cracks and defects in this interlayer of the electroplated Cr coatings affected the coating adhesion and resulted in lower oxidation resistance compared to the magnetron-deposited coatings. ••Oxidation of Zr alloy coated by magnetron-deposited and electroplated Cr.••Stable and predictable oxidation behavior of magnetron coatings••Critical role of interlayer containing hydride/fluoride phases