G. Li, J. Li, P. Deshpande, R. Lin, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Summary: Effects of Cr nano-interlayers on the properties of CrN coatings on steel were investigated. The Cr nano-interlayers were prepared by sputter deposition with the thickness about 70~100 nm. CrN coatings were also prepared by sputter deposition on the Cr nano-interlayers. The CrN/Cr crystal structures, microhardness, and scratch resistance were determined. Results showed that the Cr nano-interlayers improved scratch resistance and, to a certain degree, the microhardness of CrN coated steels. With infrared heat treatments, the beneficial effect of the Cr nano-interlayers was sharply enhanced.