A Review of Corrosion-Protective Transition Metal Nitride Coatings

Recently, transition metal nitride (TMN) coatings have attracted numerous attentions. The superior corrosion-resistant properties, combined with high abrasion resistance, thermal stability and good biocompatibility, make TMN coatings very promising candidates for applications as corrosionprotective coatings in many fields. In this paper, the recent progress in research on corrosionprotective TMN coatings is reviewed. The relationship between deposition process, structure and corrosion-resistant properties of TMN coatings is revealed. The important patents and applications concerning corrosion-protective TMN coatings are presented, and the current status of the research and future challenges are discussed.