A comparative study on high-temperature air oxidation of Cr-coated E110 zirconium alloy deposited by magnetron sputtering and electroplating

Chromium coatings were deposited either by magnetron sputtering and electroplating on E110 zirconium alloy. The as-deposited Cr coatings showed dense microstructure, but different mechanical properties and adhesion behavior depending on the deposition technology. High-temperature oxidation was performed in air at 1100 °C for 40 min. The magnetron-deposited coatings had a stable oxidation behavior which was improved by increasing coating thickness. Surface activation of E110 alloy prior to Cr electroplating resulted in formation of the interlayer with a thickness of 7–12 μm between the coating and the alloy containing hydride and fluoride phases. It was shown that cracks and defects in this interlayer of the electroplated Cr coatings affected the coating adhesion and resulted in lower oxidation resistance compared to the magnetron-deposited coatings.