Structural evolution and mechanical properties of Cr coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering on PCrNi1MoA steel

Cr coatings were prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering on PCrNi1MoA steel, a substrate that has received limited attention in previous studies. The influence of deposition temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr coatings was clarified. A comparative analysis was also performed to assess their performance relative to Cr coatings on the stainless steel substrate. All coatings on PCrNi1MoA steel exhibited densely packed fibrous grains in the cross section and a faceted triangular pyramid shape on the surface. Generally, increasing the deposition temperature led to enhanced mechanical properties, primarily due to the reduction of flaws and microporosity, facilitated by the increased mobility of adatoms at higher temperatures. The maximum values of hardness (H), elastic modulus (E), ratios of H/E and H3/E2, and adhesion strength are 4.1 GPa, 117.8 GPa, 0.43, 0.45 GPa, and 27 N, respectively. Compared to the Cr coatings on stainless steel, those on PCrNi1MoA steel exhibited a higher (110) texture coefficient, more uniform grain structures at high deposition temperatures, smoother surfaces, and better adhesion to the substrate.