The electrochemical behavior of single-layer CrN and nanostructured multilayer ZrN/CrN coatings, deposited on AISI 304 by arc-physical vapor deposition (Arc-PVD) process, was investigated in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution using impedance and polarization measurements. The microstructure of both coatings were analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope. The polarization measurements showed that for the nanostructured multilayer ZrN/CrN coating, the corrosion potential shifted to greater potentials in comparison to the single layer CrN. In addition, the density of the corrosion current decreased for the nanostructured multilayer ZrN/CrN coating which represents a higher resistance to corrosion. The nanostructured multilayer ZrN/CrN coating demonstrated a superior corrosion resistance compared to the CrN single layer coating. The mean values of elastic modulus and hardness of the nanostructured multilayer ZrN/CrN coating were larger than those of the single layer CrN coating. Also, surface roughness (Ra) of the nanostructured multilayer ZrN/CrN coating was less than the single layer CrN.
