Improvement in surface performance of stainless steel by nitride and carbon-based coatings prepared via physical vapor deposition for marine application

To meet the escalating energy demands, marine resources have assumed a significant role in the field of renewable energy. High performance and extended lifespan of offshore equipment provide robust underpinnings for marine resource exploration. Stainless steel, as one of the most widely used marine materials, its friction and corrosion problems in extreme marine environments have become critical factors influencing the service life of marine equipment. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology is a compelling method for current and future applications due to the advantages of simple process, no pollution, few consumables, and uniform film formation. The preparation of suitable strengthening coatings by PVD provides a promising approach for enhancing the surface properties of stainless steel. Here, we review current status of research on the preparation of wear resistance and anti-corrosion coatings on stainless steel surfaces by PVD in marine environments. First, an overview of PVD technology is given. Second, the influence of nitride and carbon-based coatings prepared by PVD technology on the tribological and corrosion properties of stainless steel in the marine environment is discussed, and the strengthening mechanisms of the two coatings are compared and analyzed from the aspects of elemental doping and multilayer structure design. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the development of nitride and carbon-based coatings for marine environments are prospected. The goal is to propose the design ideas of a new generation of anti-wear and corrosion-resistant coatings.