Microstructure and corrosion resistance of Cr/Cr2N multilayer film deposited on the surface of depleted uranium

Depleted uranium is widely used in national defence and nuclear energy fields. However, the inferior corrosion resistance limits its application. A Cr/Cr2N film was prepared by magnetron sputtering on the uranium to improve its corrosion resistance. The Cr/Cr2N film exhibits modulation structure. The introduction of the Cr/Cr2N increases the corrosion potential; the corresponding current density decreases about three orders of magnitude. After polarization corrosion, the surface morphology of the Cr/Cr2N-coated on uranium keeps integrated. Only a thin layer of film (∼40 nm) is oxidized. The Cr/Cr2N film shows great potential in improving oxidation and corrosion resistance of depleted uranium.