Work

Multilayer Cr/CrC Coatings as a Sustainable Alternative to Cadmium in Aerospace Applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the development of multilayer Cr/CrC coatings as a sustainable alternative to cadmium (Cd) for corrosion protection in aerospace components exposed to aggressive environments. The coatings were deposited on AISI 4130 steel and silicon (100) substrates using unbalanced magnetron sputtering, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. Advanced characterization was performed using SEM, AFM, XRD, and TEM, revealing the formation of nanocomposite structures whose characteristics depend on the carbon content and the deposition conditions. The electrochemical performance of the coatings was evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, and the results showed a significant improvement in corrosion resistance, particularly when a Cr anchor layer was incorporated. These findings confirm that Cr/CrC coatings represent a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to cadmium for aerospace applications.

Source: Metals

DOI: 10.3390/met15121332

Authors: Willian Aperador, Giovany Orozco-Hernández

Institutions: Military University Nueva Granada, Escuela Colombiana de Carreras Industriales

Language: English

Topic: Metal and Thin Film Mechanics

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Universidad Militar Nueva Granada