Glad to share the outcome of our recent research published in Surface & Coatings Technology.

In this work, we developed a nanolayered TiN/AlSiN coating on Ti-6Al-4V alloy using cathodic arc ion plating and systematically investigated its corrosion durability in marine environments. By comparing multilayer coatings with single-layer TiN and AlSiN counterparts, we clarified how multilayer architecture influences defect evolution, mechanical behavior, and corrosion resistance.

Our results demonstrate that the multilayer design transforms harmful three-dimensional droplet defects into flattened two-dimensional interlayer defects, effectively reducing their role as corrosion initiation sites. Electrochemical tests in saline environments show that the multilayer coating achieves a higher corrosion potential and significantly lower corrosion current density than TiN, indicating improved resistance to chloride attack.

Long-term salt-spray testing further reveals that corrosion in the multilayer system progresses through a controlled, layered degradation process. The alternating TiN/AlSiN structure interrupts columnar pathways, while the amorphous SiNx phase in AlSiN acts as a diffusion barrier, together providing sustained protection of the substrate even under prolonged marine exposure.

Key highlights

• Nanolayered TiN/AlSiN coatings were successfully fabricated via cathodic arc ion plating.
• Multilayer architecture converts harmful 3D droplet defects into less detrimental 2D lateral defects.
• Electrochemical measurements confirm improved corrosion resistance compared with single-layer TiN.
• Salt-spray testing reveals a controlled multilayer degradation mechanism that prolongs coating durability.