Novel HIPIMS deposited nanostructured CrN/NbN coatings for environmental protection of steam turbine components

Current work proposes a novel High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS) deposition technology, for the first time, for deposition of a ceramic based CrN/NbN coating with a nanoscale multilayer structure (bi-layer thickness Δ = 1.9 nm) with superior adhesion (LC2 = 80 N) to protect low Chromium P92 steel widely used in steam power plants. Thermodynamic calculations predict the equilibrium phases and aggressive gaseous compounds generated by the interaction of steam with the coating. CrN/NbN coated P92 steel samples oxidised at 600 °C in a high pressure (50 bar) 100% steam atmosphere for up to 1000 h reveal the coating's superior oxidation resistance and protective mechanisms, especially against the detrimental effect of Hydrogen. High temperature (650 °C) Tensile Strength, Low Cycle Fatigue and Creep tests confirm that, unlike other state-of-the-art PVD technologies, HIPIMS is not detrimental to the mechanical properties of the substrate material. Water droplet erosion tests confirm no measurable weight loss after 2.4 × 106 impacts.