γ′-ZnFe3N thin films: A proposal for a moderately ductile, corrosion-protective coating on steel

The mechanical properties of γ′-ZnFe3N films deposited by sputtering have been studied. The measured elastic modulus deviates by 3% from the ab initio calculation result. Based on the calculated bulk to shear modulus ratio of 2.27 and positive Cauchy pressure (C12–C44) of 56 GPa, γ′-ZnFe3N is suggested to be moderately ductile. As γ′-Fe4N is applied in corrosion and wear protection, and Zn can act as a galvanizing agent, we propose γ′-ZnFe3N as a corrosion-protective coating for steels.