Evaluation of the open porosity of PVD coatings through electrochemical iron detection

This investigation analyses the use of the scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to study the open porosity of PVD-coatings through electrochemical ion detection. CrN und TiN PVD coatings with artificially created permeable areas as well as without any mechanical damage were investigated. Furthermore, the thickness of the interlayers was also modified to increase the diffusion layer thickness. As a result, coatings with different protective effect were obtained and used for comparison purposes. The ion detection was done by means of a microelectrode located over the sample surface. It was used to oxidize ferrous Fe2+ ions coming from the substrate to ferric Fe3+ ions. The measurement of higher currents indicates higher anodic dissolution and consequently higher open porosity of the coating. The validity of the SECM measurements was supported by topographical analysis and optical evaluation of the samples after the measurements.