Abstract
Multilayered WC-Ti/suv $1-x/Al_{x}$ N coatings were deposited on AISI D2 steel using cathodic arc deposition (CAD) method. These coatings contain structural defects such as pores or droplets. Thus, the substrate is not completely isolated from the corrosive environment. The growth defects (pores, pinholes) in the coatings are detrimental to corrosion resistance of the coatings used in severe corrosion environments. The localized corrosion behavior of the coatings was studied in deaerated 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution using electrochemical techniques (potentiodynamic polarization test) and surface analyses (GDOES, SEM, AES, TEM). The porosity was calculated from the result of potentiodynamic polarization test of the uncoated and coated specimens. The calculated porosity is higher in the $WC-Ti_{0.6}$ $Al_{0.4}$ N than others, which is closely related to the packing factor. The positive effects of greater packing factor act on inhibiting the passage of the corrosive electrolyte to the substrate and lowering the localized corrosion kinetics. From the electrochemical tests and surface analyses, the major corrosion mechanisms can be classified into two basic categories: localized corrosion and galvanic corrosion.
