Microstructure evolution and surface characteristics of NiP and CrN composite coatings under phosphate glasses molding process

The NiP, CrN, NiP/CrN multilayer, and NiPCrN multicomponent composite coatings were fabricated by magnetron co-sputtering. Simulation of molding process on various coating systems was conducted against phosphate glass. The 50 mol.% P2O5–50 mol.% ZnO glass was chosen for the molding process due to its low glass transition temperature, Tg, around 400 °C and significant reaction at a high temperature. Phase evolution and surface characteristics of the coatings in the as-deposited and hot-pressed states were analyzed. Smooth surface morphology with a low roughness value below 5.0 nm was observed for the coatings under the hot pressing process. Grain growth and precipitation of the coatings were retarded under loading. Glass sticking behavior occurred in the NiP coating, while severe delamination of NiPCrN multicomponent composite coating was found. On the other hand, single layer CrN and NiP/CrN multilayer coatings showed superior surface and anti-sticking properties against phosphate glasses after the simulated molding process. The feasibility of NiP, CrN, and related composite coatings for phosphate glass molding is discussed.