Super-robust and anti-corrosive NiCrN hydrophobic coating fabricated by multi-arc ion plating

Abstract Developing a robust, anti-corrosive and hydrophobic coating for different applications is the need of the time but still remains a great challenge. In this study, NiCrN hydrophobic coatings were prepared at different deposition temperatures by multi-arc ion plating. The selection of nitrides as a substrate was based on their high strength, hardness and wear resistance. The effects of different deposition temperatures on the morphology, wettability and corrosion property were systemically analyzed. The surface morphology of the coatings changed from a simple micro structure to a micro-nano structure as the deposition temperature increased from 150 to 450 °C. The wettability changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic during the storage in the air, and the contact angle reached up to 143.7°. The sample deposited at 450 °C was super-robust, and the contact angle was maintained at 134.4° even after 100 cycles of sandpaper abrasion test at a pressure of 10 kPa. It is worth noting that the wettability of coating after abrasion showed self-repair capabilities when exposed in the air. The NiCrN coating prepared at 450 °C showed excellent anticorrosion performance compared to stainless steel in electrochemical experiments. Therefore, the present work can be taken as a novel approach for the large-scale production of the robust hydrophobic coating.